In Laos, Asian hornets stung two Americans, reports The Times.
47-year-old D. Owen and his 15-year-old son decided to go ziplining near the city of Luang Prabang. As they flew past the trees, they were suddenly attacked by Vespa mandarinia — the largest hornets on the planet.
The insects stung the men more than a hundred times. The victims were urgently taken to the hospital. According to Dr. F. Phakan, their bodies were covered with numerous reddish spots. In his 20 years of working in the medical facility, the doctor had repeatedly had to save people after hornet stings, but he saw a fatal case for the first time this year.
It is specified that D. Owen died the day before his own birthday.
Vespa mandarinia are Asian hornets that can grow up to 5 cm long with a wingspan of over 7.5 cm and a sting about 6 mm long. They are characterized by broad temples and a large head. They inhabit underground nests and primarily feed on honeybees. However, these predatory insects can also attack humans: their venom is significantly more toxic than that of bees, and they can sting multiple times.
