Lesser banded hornet (Vespa affinis)

Lesser banded hornet (Vespa affinis) is a species of wasp in the family Vespidae. It is a medium-sized hornet; queens reach a length of 30 mm, males 26 mm, and workers 22–25 mm. Generally, the abdominal segments are dark brown, with the exception of the first and second segments, which range in color from yellowish-orange to brown.

V. affinis has a reddish-brown or black head, featuring red markings on the front and vertex. Both the compound and simple eyes are black. The antennae are dark brown, becoming paler toward the base. The clypeus is black with coarse striations, and its posterior margin features broad, rounded lobes. The mandibles and teeth are black. The thorax is black, covered in numerous striations and scattered erect hairs; the propodeum is also black.



The legs are dark brown, as are the wings and tegulae. The body is striated, with dark brown abdominal segments—except for the first and second, which are yellowish-orange. In some specimens, the yellowish-orange coloration on the first tergite is reduced to two transverse spots and a narrow apical band.

Various color forms within the species were once classified as distinct subspecies; however, these are no longer recognized. Although the genus *Vespa* has a history of subspecies classification, recent taxonomic revisions have reclassified all such subspecies as synonyms.

This species hunts for food near the ground in grassy areas, forests, and arid regions. Its carbohydrate intake comes from tree sap, nectar, fruit, and the secretions (saliva) of larvae. Protein sources include carrion, flies, bees, and other recently deceased insects.

They construct nests in tall trees, dense shrubbery, or within the roof structures of buildings. The nests are pear-shaped, ovoid, or spherical, with an entrance located on the side. Internally, the nests consist of numerous concentric layers and folds. The nest can reach up to 60 cm in length.

This species is well-known for its aggressive behavior and a highly potent sting, which can trigger a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction. In 2018, it was recorded that 7 people died as a result of being stung by this insect.

TAXON

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Euarthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Subclass: Pterygota
Order: Hymenoptera
Suborder: Apocrita
Infraorder: Aculeata
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Vespidae
Subfamily: Vespinae
Genus: Vespa Linnaeus (1758)
Species: Vespa affinis Linnaeus (1764)

SYNONYMS

Vespa formosana Sonan (1927)

VERNACULAR NAME

Catalan: Vespa Asiàtica Cintada Menor
Chinese (simplified): 大褐胡蜂 - 黄腰胡蜂
Chinese (traditional): 黃腰胡蜂 - 黃腰虎頭蜂
English: Lesser banded hornet
Guangdong: 黃腰胡蜂
Hong Kong: 黃腰胡蜂
Indonesian: Tawon endas, Tawon ndas, Tawon vespa, Tawon kendi
Japanese: ツマグロスズメバチ - 端黒雀蜂
Java: Tawon ndas
Macao: 黃腰胡蜂
Spanish: Avispón bandeado menor
Taiwan: 黃腰胡蜂
Thai: ต่อหัวเสือบ้าน

Aryo Bandoro
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