It’s the second time in a matter of weeks that one of the insects has evaded researchers.

After issues with their trackers, Washington scientists have lost track of two giant ‘murder hornets’.

Asian giant hornets, often dubbed ‘murder hornets’ due to their blown-out reputation, began falling onto people’s radars in November last year. Earlier in May, it was confirmed the species had arrived in the US, with a total of 18 having been spotted.

They are rather frightening, with the queens measuring out at five centimetres long. They have an orange-yellow head, a dark thorax and spiky mandibles, also armed with a potent venom. However, there’s no need for any hysteria – they aren’t buzzing to kill you.