Just call them giant hornets.
The term "murder hornet" skyrocketed into popularity last week after the New York Times published a viral story about the arrival of an invasive insect species in Washington state ("murder hornet" is in the headline). Mashable, like many other outlets, used the term, too. But entomologists say that's an irresponsible name for the species, Vespa mandarinia, even if it's the largest hornet in the world at some two inches in length.
"It's a ridiculous name," said Akito Kawahara, an entomologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History who researches the evolution and diversity of insects. "I think it's totally misleading." Read more...
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