Up Close with a Japanese Killer Hornet Hanging Out For Lunch. ( Photography )

At first glance I thought it was trapped in a spiders web but then I don't know of any spider in Japan that could tackle this predator. If you look closely, you can see that the hornet is hanging on by one of its limbs while it chomps at the head of a emerald green beetle. Very interesting how it uses its surroundings.

Looking at the picture now and seeing the single spider web, this could be a stolen lunch or that situation definitely happens at times. I got just close enough to snap a couple shots but I was very cautious. One sting from this dude and it could mean days in the hospital or bye bye world. Well not really, every year only 7-12 people die from hornet stings in Japan. And that data includes stings from bees and wasps so the count is actually much lower.

This Hornet was really working on its meal and for some reason it seemed more focused on the head of the beetle. In the picture below, the Hornet has severed the head and the body has fallen to the ground. The Hornet didn't seem to care, it is as if he got what he wanted. I took that as my cue to carry on with my walk just in case it decided to go looking for the rest of the body and bucked into me. Nope! Mi gawwwwn.

These Hornets are common in Japan and are regularly scene in the summer months, July and August. In stores they sell special sprays just for the Hornets, one spray and they are out cold in less than a 2 seconds. If you see one of these Hornets and you have their attention, don't run, especially if you are wearing black. Just stay calm and ease away without any sudden burst of movement that can be seen as aggression.

_{Photos taken with iPhone 8 Plus. July 8th 2020.}