Hornets

Hornets are the largest of the wasps, and are part of the genus Vespa within the family Vespidae. They are known for their large size, aggressive nature, and potent sting. Hornets are social insects, living in large colonies that can contain hundreds of individuals.

Description

Hornets are distinguished from other wasps by their robust bodies and relatively large size. They typically measure between 2 to 3.5 cm in length. The most common species, the European hornet (Vespa crabro), has a reddish-brown head and thorax with a yellow and black striped abdomen.

Distribution

Hornets are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. The European hornet is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has also been introduced to North America. The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), also known as the "murder hornet," is native to temperate and tropical East Asia.

Behavior

Hornets are eusocial insects, meaning they live in colonies with a division of labor. A typical hornet colony consists of a queen, workers, and drones. The queen is responsible for laying eggs, while the workers maintain the nest, care for the young, and forage for food. Drones are male hornets whose primary role is to mate with the queen.

Hornets are known for their aggressive defense of their nests. They will attack en masse if they perceive a threat, delivering painful stings that can be dangerous to humans, especially those who are allergic.

Diet

Hornets are carnivorous and primarily feed on other insects, which they capture and chew into a paste to feed their larvae. They also consume nectar and fruit juices.

Nesting

Hornets build their nests out of a paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. These nests are often found in tree branches, attics, or other sheltered locations. The nest starts small, built by the queen, and grows as the colony expands.

Human Interaction

Hornets can be beneficial to humans by controlling pest insect populations. However, their aggressive nature and painful stings make them a concern, especially when nests are located near human habitation. It is advised to contact pest control professionals to remove hornet nests safely.

Also see

• Wasp
• Bee
• Insect sting allergy
• Vespidae

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