OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state Department of Agriculture put out a call this week to report sightings of Asian Giant hornets, but for the Elm Sawfly, it’s a case of mistaken identity.
WSDA says they have been getting many reports of elm sawflies, which somewhat resemble the so-called “murder hornets.”
Elm sawflies are big — almost as large as the hornets — and have a similar coloring.
The department says the best way to determine if it’s a hornet or sawfly is to look at the antennae.
The elm sawfly has clubbed antennae while the Asian Giant hornet does not.