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European Hornet

Vespa crabro

The European Hornet is a large wasp that can be found buzzing around gardens and forests. They are important for helping to control pests and pollinating flowers.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The European Hornet is a large wasp, instantly recognizable by its striking yellow and black striped abdomen, paired with a reddish-brown head and thorax. Its larger size visually distinguishes it from common yellowjackets, which often have more prominent yellow facial markings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusVespa
European Hornet
striped trait badgesocial trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badgeforest trait badge
European Hornet

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A hornet's sting contains alarm pheromones that can attract more hornets to help defend.

European Hornets are one of the few social wasps that are active at night!

Hornet larvae produce a sugary liquid that adult hornets eat, creating a unique food exchange!

They strip tree bark to create a paper-like pulp for building their amazing nests.

Special abilities

Ability

Venomous Protector

European Hornets can deliver a powerful sting to defend their nest because it helps them deter predators and rivals.

Ability

Night Vision

The European Hornet has excellent low-light vision that helps them hunt insects even after the sun goes down.

Ability

Strong Jaws

European Hornets can chew through wood and insects with their strong mandibles that help them build nests and process food.

Ability

Aerial Predator

The European Hornet can fly swiftly to catch flying insects because of its powerful wings and sharp eyesight.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
40-70 mm
Size
20-35 mm
Lifespan
14-365 days
Flight Speed
20 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
800

Diet & Feeding

These busy insects hunt other insects and enjoy sweet tree sap or ripe fruit!

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Crickets
  • Caterpillars
  • Bees
  • Tree sap
  • Ripe fruit

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

House Fly

Musca domestica

controls fly populations as prey

eaten by

European Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus

raids nests for larvae and adults

depends on

Common Oak

Quercus robur

feeds on tree sap from this species

hunts

Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

competes with and preys on other wasp species

Traits

Also known as

European Wasp

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

If you see a hornet, it's best to stay calm and walk away slowly. Don't swat at them!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is European Hornet's wingspan?

40-70 mm

How big is European Hornet?

20-35 mm

How long does European Hornet live?

14-365 days

How fast can European Hornet fly?

20 km/h

What does European Hornet eat?

These busy insects hunt other insects and enjoy sweet tree sap or ripe fruit!

Where is European Hornet usually found?

Forests

How does European Hornet hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does European Hornet have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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