Vespa crabro

Vespa crabro, commonly known as the European hornet, is the largest wasp species in Europe and North America. It is a member of the Vespidae family and the Vespa genus.

Description

The Vespa crabro is a large insect, with adults ranging from 2 to 3.5 cm in length. The queen, which is the largest member of the colony, can reach up to 3.5 cm. The body coloration is brown with yellow stripes on the abdomen, and a pale face.

Distribution and Habitat

The Vespa crabro is native to Europe, but it has been introduced to North America, where it is now widely distributed. It prefers wooded areas and is commonly found in gardens, orchards, and parklands.

Behavior

The Vespa crabro is a social insect, living in colonies that can contain up to 700 individuals. The colony is established by a single queen in the spring, who lays the eggs and cares for the first generation of workers. These workers then take over the tasks of foraging for food, caring for the young, and defending the nest.

Diet

The Vespa crabro is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on other insects. It is known to be a predator of a variety of species, including flies, bees, and other wasps. It also consumes fruits and tree sap.

Impact on Humans

While the Vespa crabro is generally not aggressive towards humans, it can deliver a painful sting if provoked. In some cases, the sting can cause an allergic reaction. On the other hand, it is considered beneficial for its role in controlling pest insect populations.

Conservation Status

The Vespa crabro is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many other insect species, it is potentially threatened by habitat loss and the use of pesticides.