Washington state agriculture officials said on Monday they were concerned over the discovery in a city near the U.S. border with Canada of a giant Asian hornet known colloquially as the "Murder Hornet" for its size and lethal capabilities.

The insect, which can grow to up to two and a half inches long and is native to Southeast Asia, China and Taiwan, was discovered in December by a homeowner, SvenErik Spichiger, managing entomologist at the Washington State. Several specimens were also found in British Columbia.

"An Asian giant hornet can sting you multiple times and deliver larger doses of venom just because of the size of them. The venom itself is fairly toxic and creates localized necrosis around the wound so you'll see melting flesh around the wound," Spicheger said.

Aside from the danger to humans, the Murder Hornet presents a danger to agriculture and the aviary industry, Spichiger said, because the insect is known to attack honey bees, wiping out an entire hive in hours.

Anyone coming across a nest should immediately alert authorities.

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