The “murder hornet” is as bad as it sounds There’s a replacement invasive species on American soil, and it’s particularly terrifying. the primary reports that Asian giant hornets, a species that entomologists simply call “murder hornets,” were filed last fall in Washington state. within the intervening months, researchers have worked to eradicate the hornets’ burgeoning populations, consistent with the ny Times. Invasive species generally can wreak havoc (pdf) on ecosystems. a scarcity of natural predators allows many to overrun local flora and fauna, sometimes driving them to extinction. But the Asian Vespa crabro , native to the hotter climates of Asia, is basically bad news within the US. “If it becomes established, this hornet will have negative impacts on the environment, economy, and public health of Washington State,” consistent It can kill people Despite their moniker, murder hornets aren’t naturally curious about killing people