![0B855146-EC83-4B47-8F07-622EBD26271A.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmb9fYUgRL3Nuo9vda39Tm9YQxepXSNXUQtwn7vFdm3jsL/0B855146-EC83-4B47-8F07-622EBD26271A.jpeg)
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# Well, in my previous posts documenting my hornet capturing escapades, I have been mistaken.
My mistake is, to me, both happy and disappointing news at the same time. So far I have captured three different specimen in my monitoring traps outside. *None* of which have been the infamous Asian Giant Hornet. I have found the smaller version, known as *kogatasuzumebachi,* or *Vespa analis insularis,* *monsuzumebachi* (European Hornet - *Vespa crabro flavofasciata*), and *kiirosuzumebachi,* (Japanese Yellow Hornet - *vespa simillima zanthoptera*).

So, the good news is, so far there is no sign that the 10/10 aggressive and dangerous when disturbed marauding bastards known as *Ōsuzumebachi* (Japanese/Asian Giant Hornet) seem to be in our immediate vicinity. The disappointing news is that now I cannot study them and show guys! We’ll see, though. They may well turn up.

So far I have been able to identify these guys via some very handy websites showcasing the unique colorings and shapes of the “faceplates” between their eyes. It’s super interesting for me, for a plethora of reasons, many of which I’m not sure I can put a finger on. I am really geeking out over this stuff.

![55BAD527-BCB0-4247-BF96-65106DD3F049.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdmNGLkV1mXYSCUqMnPfkwn8ypZNAAW4z4hWgdYqE4jtM/55BAD527-BCB0-4247-BF96-65106DD3F049.jpeg)

**This is the *kogatasuzumebachi,* or Vespa analis insularis, commonly known in some regions as the “Yellow” Vented Hornet. This is the slightly smaller cousin of the giant aggressive variety. Interestingly, this wasp is not known to be very aggressive at all, but stings occur somewhat frequently as it prefers to nest in and around houses and other human-created structures.**

**Note the faceplate between the eyes. At the bottom it has three distinctive “prongs” or points. This lets us know it is not the Asian Giant Hornet. The *Ōsuzumebachi* has two distinct points and no hint of a third in the middle.**

![562F4864-4CFC-42A5-AEA0-A83FB1A34324.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUqm9yVA3DECUPMdYhjpDfp5LHcyUS4iZRfFDGeGRPjZ9/562F4864-4CFC-42A5-AEA0-A83FB1A34324.jpeg)
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![B2350F04-82C2-4036-AD58-87B03A9B2B66.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmeQa5z2ubcxGESGMSiEjuh5kgVYVmPXcZk4eta96cnv22/B2350F04-82C2-4036-AD58-87B03A9B2B66.jpeg)

**This is the *monsuzumebachi,* or European Hornet (Vespa crabro flavofasciata). It is similar in size to the *kogatasuzumebachi,* but has a distinctive dark coloring between its two large eyes.**
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As I mentioned, I have also captured two Japanese Yellow Hornets, *vespa simillima zanthoptera,* but they weren’t in very good shape when I checked the sticky paper trap after returning from vacation. There will most likely be more to examine later, though.

As it is still early in the life cycle/season, I know fairly certainly that each hornet I’ve captured is a queen. The workers will begin to be born in June, if I am not mistaken. Less queens means less nests around our house! 

# Previous posts on the topic:

* [Building an Asian Giant Hornet Trap!](https://steemit.com/dlive/@kafkanarchy84/3b0d2170-482b-11e8-a699-f3be07be675a)

* [GOTCHA! Asian Giant Hornet Trap Update! [VIDEO]](https://steemit.com/dlive/@kafkanarchy84/a60523c0-4848-11e8-a699-f3be07be675a)

* [Asian Giant Hornet, Trapped Queen #2](https://steemit.com/nature/@kafkanarchy84/asian-giant-hornet-trapped-queen-2)

* [The Hornet Adventure Continues! Trapped 4! Now to identify them.](https://steemit.com/dlive/@kafkanarchy84/6edfd650-54bf-11e8-8cf9-1b93be2e52ab)

# Thanks for reading, and let’s stay interested in this wonderful world, together!

# ~KafkA


[<center>!https://s1.postimg.org/3txr5uwta7/subbutton.jpg </center>](https://steemit.com/@kafkanarchy84)
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***Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as DLive and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)***