An invasive hornet species that is a close cousin of the Asian giant hornet, otherwise known as the “murder hornet,” has been found in the United States for the first time.

As if the coronavirus pandemic wasn’t enough for us to handle, with all things considered, 2020 has been one of the most unpredictable, unfathomable, and just downright bizarre years on record. It’s hard to say what 2021 will have in store, but for now, we’re taking a look back at some of the weirdest moments of 2020. As many as 1.5 million cicadas were expected to swarm parts of Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech) (NASA/JPL-Caltech)What better way to cap off 2020 than look to the sky and witness something not seen in almost 800 years. Read also:2020 in photos: AP images capture chaos, sorrow amid pandemic, protests, catastrophesGone too soon: Celebrities who died in 2020

Asian Giant Hornets, commonly known as murder hornets, can wipe out entire hives of honeybees within a matter of hours, but it turns out, honeybees have a pretty ingenious way of fighting back. Spotting of the fecal defense system increases after colonies were exposed to attacks or to chemicals that scout hornets use to target colonies for mass attacks, the study found. Researchers found that colonies with heavy to moderate spotting of poop had a reduced likelihood of being attacked. The researchers say their work shows the first time the honeybees have used other animals’ feces as a defense tool. But researchers said that Western honeybees, the ones found in North America, aren’t as prepared for murder hornet attacks as their counterparts in the east.

Two more Asian Giant Hornets, or otherwise referred to as ‘murder hornets,’ have been spotted in Washington State, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture. After these two recent sightings of the hornets, the WSDA set up live traps in Birch Bay on Aug. 20. WSDA officials said once the colony is found, it will be eradicated. To learn more about the WSDA and what they are doing to track the ’murder hornets,’ click here. Read also:First ‘murder hornet’ caught in Washington statePeople in San Antonio may think they’re seeing murder hornets, here’s what they really are

Washington – The Washington State Department of Agriculture shared news Friday that an Asian Giant Hornet, commonly referred to as a murder hornet, was successfully trapped for the first time in the evergreen state. The five previous confirmed sightings of an Asian Giant Hornet in the state were seen in the environment, according to WSDA officials. ‘Murder Hornets’ are in US; Can the insects possibly migrate to San Antonio or South Texas? Cicada Killers can get up to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length which is smaller than a mature Asian Giant Hornet and it’s uncommon for Cicada Killers to sting humans. Greg Abbott in an effort to protect Texas citizens, agriculture and honey bees in the chance that Asian Giant Hornets arrive in Texas.

SAN ANTONIO – A report by the New York Times in early May about Asian Giant Hornets, also known as murder hornets, seems to have spooked some San Antonio residents who think they’re seeing the 2-inch insects in the Alamo City. “The real danger comes from a potential allergic reaction”‘Murder Hornets’ are in US; Can the insects possibly migrate to San Antonio or South Texas? The Asian Giant Hornets can kill off an entire bee colony within a matter of hours Keck said in early May. Still think you might have seen an Asian Giant Hornet? Asian Giant Hornets are a social species and will form nests with a queen and multiple workers whereas Cicada Killers are often solitary nesters.”

(CNN) -- Add another giant bug to the list of things Washington state is working to handle right now, and experts say it could quickly spread across the nation. Earlier this week, scientists said they had spotted Asian giant hornets in the state -- and it's still unknown how they got there. Such a threat, in fact, that Washington state Gov. The threat is posed by both Asian gypsy moths and Asian-European hybrid gypsy moths, according to the proclamation. "Large (Asian gypsy moth) infestations can completely defoliate trees," according to the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Greg Abbott is requesting the formation of a specialized task force, led by Texas A&M AgriLife experts, to protect citizens, agriculture and honey bees if the insect arrives. RELATED: ’Murder Hornets’ are in US; Can the insects possibly migrate to San Antonio or South Texas? Crops rely on honey bees and other insects for pollination and crop yields would greatly suffer without them. Customs and Border Protection staff will also be trained to detect the Asian giant hornet and surveillance will be increased for incoming containers. The team will also assist with mitigation efforts to protect Texas honey bee populations.

On Brave Wilderness’ “Breaking Trail” YouTube show, the host, Coyote Peterson, follows adventure in a variety of wildlife areas. RELATED: “Murder Hornets” are in US; Can the insects possibly migrate to San Antonio or South Texas? He travels across the area for days in search of the hornet until he finally finds one on his last day. To let the hornet sting him. “When the stinger went into my arm, I had a wave come over me and I got super dizzy,” he said.

This is what getting stung by a ‘murder hornet’ looks and feels likeEven though the hornets are still hundreds of miles away from our area, it has been a topic of discussion in the South Texas area for months. If the hornet does survive the colder months, there is a possibility it could migrate to states farther south, including Texas where the weather is warmer. So there’s not a lack of food to prevent them from coming down here.”Honeybees are vital to our ecosystem and environment, especially in South Texas. I just don’t think we have these just yet.”Keck said for the moment, there is not a reason to be overly concerned in South Texas. She said it will take time to study the “murder hornet” in the United States and follow its breeding and migration patterns.

A deadly species of hornets, commonly found in Japan, that can kill up to 50 people a year have now arrived for the first time in the United States, according to a report from the New York Times. Asian giant hornets, or otherwise known as “murder hornets,” were first discovered in the U.S. last fall in Washington state, NYT reports. Two sightings of the insect were confirmed in January of this year in the areas of Blaine and Bellingham, Washington, according to a map on the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s website. A report from Time Magazine said the hornets target bees and can enter a “slaughter phase,” where they decapitate them and take over their hive as their own. Following the NYT report, “hornet” was one of the top trending search terms in the U.S. on Saturday.