To which plant family does the Asian giant hornet belong?

The Asian giant hornet is classified within the Vespidae family, which includes wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. This classification is significant because members of the Vespidae family are known for their social behaviors, nest-building characteristics, and their role as predators of other insects, which can impact local ecosystems and agriculture. Understanding the family Vespidae helps in the identification and management of this hornet, especially given its potential to be invasive in non-native regions.

The other options represent different classifications: Apoidea includes bees and some wasps but not hornets specifically; Formicidae is the family of ants, which are completely separate from hornets; Hymenoptera is the order that includes wasps, bees, and ants but does not differentiate the specific family of the Asian giant hornet. Thus, identifying Vespidae as the correct family allows for more accurate studies and management strategies related to the Asian giant hornet.