Giant hornet

Giant hornets were aggressive massive mutations of normal-sized hornets.

Description
Giant hornets were flying carnivorous insects with long bodies, a fell stinger, and an average wingspan of or more.

Behavior
Giant hornets were solitary but extremely aggressive insects, rarely encountered in groups. They always attacked on sight.

Fire had a weakening effect on these giant insects, and smoke was a repellent.

Combat
Giant hornets swooped down on their prey, pinning and holding a victim with their legs while repeatedly stabbing them with their poisonous stinger. The poison in the stinger caused 2–6 hours of paralyzation.

Fortunately, the hornets' buzzing was loud enough to be heard away in dungeon corridors and from half as far outside, preventing unexpected and stealthy attacks.

Ecology
They were carnivorous, just like their normal-sized relatives. Unlike bees, hornets did not lose their stingers and lives after an attack.

Habitats
The giant hornets' natural habitats were coniferous forests and, on occasion, underground caves. Some were known to inhabit Thar and the rimwood area of Cormanthor.