Adult black-spotted pond frogs (*Pelophylax nigromaculatus*) attacked and ate Asian giant hornets—often called “murder hornets”—in a 2025 laboratory study. Hornets stung frogs during the attacks, but none of the frogs was reported killed or injured. That shows striking tolerance in the observed trials, not immunity to venom.
Which frogs and hornets were tested?
Ecologist Shinji Sugiura studied adult black-spotted pond frogs, *Pelophylax nigromaculatus*, and female worker hornets from three *Vespa* species collected in Japan. The “murder hornet” in the study was the Asian giant hornet, *Vespa mandarinia*; the other prey were *Vespa simillima* and *Vespa analis*. The experiments took place under laboratory conditions.
Earlier stomach-content observations had found hornets in some pond frogs’ diets, but had not experimentally examined how frogs handled the risk of being stung while attacking workers. As Sugiura told Kobe University, “Although stomach-content studies had shown that pond frogs sometimes eat hornets, no experimental work had ever examined how this occurs.”
How often did frogs eat each hornet?
Researchers offered 15 workers of each species, one at a time, to 45 adult frogs. The table reports outcomes in these trials, not estimates of how often wild frogs eat hornets.
#1 Best Overall
- FUNNY FROG FIGURINES - This adorable frog will leap right into your heart! The frogs statue lights combine the charming elements of the animal with the beauty of light. The simple , modern design blends unobtrusively into the living room etc and provides cozy light for an individual living ambience . The lamp completes the living area as a pretty accent light.
- SAFE SOLAR POWERED LIGHT - Brighten up an entryway or bedroom with these charming handmade coffee loving frog statue decor that are also great conversation pieces. Simply place it at a location with direct sunlight during the day, the solar panel will charge within 4-6 hours during the day and light up automatically at night for 6-8 hours. This is good for the environment and your wallet.
- DURABLE OUTDOOR LAWN DECOR - This chic Lawn Frog Ornaments light will stay with you for a long time and will give you a lot of pleasure. Our mini fairy garden accessories yard decor are made of high quality resin material, waterproof,cracking and fade resistant could work well even in heavy rain or snowstorms.
- HIGH-QUALITY - This Solar Lights Garden Decorations is made for your home. You can use In your flat, office, classroom or in your car. It ensures that your surroundings shine in the most beautiful lights and warm your heart. So you can enjoy mild summer nights or cool autumn evenings outside and sit inside in the cold season with cosy light.
- REST ASSURED SHOPPING - Size of the mini frog sculpture is 3.89 x 2.36 x 3.93 inches, small and not bulky. Packaged safely in the polyfoam to prevent damage during transportation. In addition, the solar garden ornament is the perfect present for birthdays, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, anniversaries, or any celebration! Especially for kids love little frog!
| Hornet prey | Offered | Attacked | Consumed | Consumption rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vespa simillima | 15 | 14 | 13 | 93% |
| Vespa analis | 15 | 15 | 13 | 87% |
| Vespa mandarinia | 15 | 14 | 11 | 79% |
The percentages are the study’s reported consumption rates for each group. The frogs did not always swallow prey after an attack: some stopped or spat out a hornet after being stung or bitten, particularly in the *V. mandarinia* trials.
What happened when hornets stung the frogs?
Hornets were seen stinging frogs on the face, eyes, tongue, palate, or throat during attacks. No frog in the experiment was reported killed or injured by those encounters. Frogs that swallowed hornets later passed undigested body parts in their feces, two to four days after ingestion.
Rank #2
- SO REALISTIC IT MIGHT JUST CROAK - Beautiful detailing brings this green frog to life. Renowned worldwide for attention to detail, discover why children and adults choose schleich's true-to-life models.
- BIG ADVENTURES WITHOUT THE SCREEN - What adventure will this jumping frog figurine go on today? Nurture imagination and watch stories unfold as your child unleashes their creativity with montessori, screen free toys
- SCHLEICH FIGURES TURN FACTS INTO FUN - Make learning fun and transform your home or classroom into any habitat when you share lessons and inspire children's minds with our lifelike creatures.
- STEP INTO THE WILD SIDE OF WILD LIFE - Adventure awaits! Swing through the jungle with the monkeys, spot the lions on safari, hear the howl of the wolf through the trees. Our Wild Life play sets include grassland, woodland, forest creatures and more.
- IMAGINATION WITHOUT LIMITATION - Schleich toys come in all shapes and sizes to bring every story to life. We value sustainability which is why we have created diverse worlds of durable toys built-to-last that can be treasured for generations to come.
This is evidence of survival and feeding behavior under the conditions observed. The study did not directly measure venom chemistry, pain perception, or long-term effects, so it cannot establish that the frogs felt no pain or that stings are harmless to them.
How strong is the comparison among hornet species?
The experiment was small: each hornet species was offered to 15 frogs, and each frog and hornet was used once. The hornet groups also were not matched for frog body size. Larger frogs were preferentially paired with *V. mandarinia*, the largest hornet, and the study’s analysis found that larger frogs were more likely to consume prey.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- This Animal Doll House Miniature created by Thai artist is best quality & special design with handmade & Handmade painted work. This figure has as adorable action. It is also made with high quality glass and outstanding detail as you can see on picture above. Since it is handmade work so it may has a little different detail from picture. The items are not come from china. All of them are made by artisan of Thailand.
- Material : Glass, "It is a handmade product and may vary slightly."
- Great gift for your friend's birthday, holiday greeting gift or decoration stuff, 3D High Quality 100% Handmade Thailand Product
- Special design with handmade & handpainted work. The items are not come from china. All of them are made by artisan of Thailand.
- The glass handmade by Thai Artisan hand blown Animal figurines would be a great art craft decoration stuff for anywhere, any occasion, a lovely gift for your special person, lovely for mini fairy garden, perfect gift for animal lovers, collectible, centerpiece, living room, bedroom, dining room, your friend's birthday, your mothers fathers birthday, your girl fiend birthday, your boy fiend birthday, office desk, study club, etc.
That means the 79% consumption rate for *V. mandarinia* should not be read as a clean, size-controlled comparison showing that this species is harder for frogs to eat. The data establish what happened in these trials, but do not isolate hornet species as the sole reason for differences in consumption.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why can the frogs tolerate the stings?
The mechanism has not been established. Sugiura identified possible questions for future study, including whether physical barriers or proteins reduce venom’s pain or toxicity, or whether hornet toxins are simply less effective in amphibians. These remain hypotheses, not demonstrated explanations for the frogs’ survival.
Rank #4
- 【Adorable Monitor Topper Set】 6PCS Cute Frog Monitor Figurines with Assorted Playful Poses – Perfect mini resin frog decorations designed to sit on your computer monitor, adding instant charm and a relaxing vibe to your workspace.
- 【Premium Quality Resin Material】 Crafted from high-quality, non-toxic durable resin with smooth glossy finish and vibrant colors. These lightweight yet sturdy frog figurines are fade-resistant, easy to clean, and built to last for years of cheerful decoration.
- 【Versatile Multi-Scene Decor】 Ideal for computer monitor, car dashboard, office desk, bookshelf, TV stand, windowsill, and home decor. Also great as creative accents in potted plants, terrarium, moss garden, or micro landscape displays.
- 【Easy to Display & Secure Placement】 Each cute frog figurine features a flat stable base for instant display. Comes with strong double-sided adhesive tape for secure attachment on monitor, desk, or car dashboard – no tools needed, easy to move or remove.
- 【Perfect Stress-Relief Gift】 A heartwarming and fun gift for friends, family, coworkers, students, or yourself! These charming frog decor pieces bring smiles, reduce work stress, and brighten any space – ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, or office companions.
The results concern adult black-spotted pond frogs in laboratory trials; they do not show that all frogs can safely eat hornets, or that pond frogs are protected from stings in every circumstance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A thoughtful gift perfect for home, garden or terrariums
- This product measures h: 1.75" W: 2"
- Cast in quality designer resin
- Hand painted and sculpted in amazing detail
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
