When a “Murder Hornet” Becomes a Tasty Meal

Surprising Immunity in the Japanese Pond Frog

In a recent laboratory study, scientists discovered that the Japanese pond frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) can survive the sting of the notorious northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)—even after being swallowed whole.

Key finding: the amphibian’s thick, mucous‑coated skin appears to neutralize the hornet’s venom, allowing the frog to emerge unharmed after the insect’s attempt to subdue it.

The experiment, conducted by researchers at Kyoto University, involved placing live hornets in a controlled enclosure with the frogs. When a hornet attacked, it delivered a full‑force sting before the frog’s tongue quickly captured and ingested the insect.

Remarkably, the frogs showed no signs of paralysis, pain, or mortality. Post‑mortem analysis revealed that the venom was largely degraded within minutes, likely due to enzymes present in the frog’s skin secretions.

Why This Matters

Understanding how certain amphibians neutralize potent venoms could inform the development of new antivenom therapies for humans, who remain vulnerable to the lethal sting of V. mandarinia. Additionally, the study sheds light on the complex predator‑prey dynamics that occur when a “murder hornet” meets an unlikely adversary.

While the Japanese pond frog’s diet typically includes insects, small fish, and crustaceans, this research suggests that even the most feared predators can become a convenient snack under the right circumstances.

Future Directions

The team plans to isolate the specific compounds responsible for the venom‑neutralizing effect. If these molecules can be synthesized, they may offer a novel route to protect against hornet stings, especially in regions where the invasive Asian giant hornet is spreading.

For now, the takeaway is clear: in the battle between hornet and frog, the amphibian’s resilience turns a potential killer into a surprisingly edible treat.