Cicada Killer Wasps (unknown species) (Sphecius spp.) on Jun 15, 2025

Originally reported as Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia)

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

Intact, it was almost 2inches long. At least 2-3x the length of a wasp and significantly larger in mass. Color was mostly dark orange and with stripes of black. Specimen might have been injured before I smashed it.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! This was one of the cicada-killer wasps in the genus Sphecius, not a hornet. No Northern Giant Hornets have been found in Oregon.

Tom Valente
June 16, 2025, 8:20 a.m.