Hornet

Spilomyia

Hornets are larger wasps that build big nests in trees. They can be protective of their homes.

Habitat: Forests and suburban areas

Appearance

The Hornet is a large, robust insect with a distinctly segmented body, typically marked with bold yellow or orange and black bands. Its head is broad, and it has clear, membranous wings, making it look much chunkier and less hairy than a bee, and often larger than many other common wasps.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusSpilomyia

Hornet

Interesting facts

Hornet queens start their whole colony by themselves after winter!

Hornet venom has special chemicals to mark enemies for other hornets!

Some hornets are active hunters even at night, using moonlight to see!

Their amazing nests are made entirely from chewed wood pulp, like paper!

Special abilities

Hornet has a potent venomous sting that helps them defend their nest and paralyze prey.

Hornet can chew wood pulp mixed with saliva to build complex, multi-layered paper nests.

Hornet can hunt for insects even at night, using their keen vision to find prey in low light.

Hornet can vibrate their flight muscles to generate heat, helping to keep their nest warm and stable.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 30-55 mm
Size: 18-35 mm
Lifespan: 15-60 days
Flight Speed: 25 km/h
Leg Count: 6
Colony Size: 200-1000

Diet & Feeding

Hornets are fierce hunters that eat other insects and enjoy sugary treats like tree sap.

Age differences: Adult hornets consume sugars from sap and fruit, while also hunting insects to feed their growing larvae.

Primary Foods

Flies
Caterpillars
Bees
Wasps
Tree Sap
Ripe Fruit

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Hornet often hunts honeybees near their hives for protein.

eaten by

European Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus

Young hornets and nests are a primary food for this bird.

eaten by

European Badger

Meles meles

Badgers dig up hornet nests found in the ground to eat the larvae.

depends on

English Oak

Quercus robur

Hornets often collect sap from oak trees for their own energy.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.