Vespa Crabo range

Might want to check fruit trees

I saw them a couple years ago on some fallen pears in my neighbor's yard, and just two weekends ago saw about five or more of them buzzing around the debris under a persimmon tree, along with assorted flies and butterflies. I'm in northern VA.

… Ashley Bradford, 23 October, 2007 - 10:28am

RANGE

This species has a scattered occurrence in Minnesota.

… Terry Prouty, 2 October, 2007 - 10:05pm

Very Shy

As I understand, this insect is quite shy. I saw my first one here in PA. this season.... and I'm 47!

… Jon M. Yuschock, 30 September, 2007 - 3:16am

I live in PA and I only saw t

I live in PA and I only saw the first of these here 2 years ago (I'm 49). I've been watching a few in my neighborhood the last couple weeks. They are interesting to watch while they are are hunting other bees and hornets.

They don't seem to like to share their hunting ground!

They are attacking only Honey Bees. They fly around until they find one they like, grab it and drop (fall) into the bushes, subdue their prey and then fly to a nearby tree branch and it looks like they rip it apart and then fly off. There's a time span of approx. 15 minutes between when they come and go.

I was a bit intimidated when one decided I was interesting to look at. Funny how they look much bigger when they are 6 inches from your face. LOL!

… Jo Ann Poe-McGavin, 4 October, 2007 - 10:40am