Hornets belong to the family of true wasps and represent the largest members of their subfamily. The European hornet (Vespa crabro) grows to 3–4 cm in length, while the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) can reach 5–6 cm with a wingspan of approximately 7–8 cm. They are significantly larger than common wasps and yellowjackets.
These insects are actually excellent garden allies. They hunt caterpillars, flies, spiders, and other pests to feed their larvae. Adults sustain themselves on nectar, tree sap, and ripe fruit. Consequently, they serve the dual role of pollinating plants and controlling pest populations.
Hornets are social insects that live in colonies. In the spring, the queen begins building a nest by chewing wood and mixing it with saliva to create a papery pulp. These structures can be multi-tiered with up to 10 levels and grow larger than a football, often hidden in tree hollows, under eaves, or in other sheltered spots. Typically, the nest features a single entrance.
Despite their fearsome reputation, European hornets are quite docile and rarely attack when away from their nest. They only become aggressive when defending their colony. Males lack a stinger entirely and are extremely calm.
Powerful Stingers and Venom
- Females possess smooth stingers, allowing them to sting repeatedly without dying, unlike honeybees.
- Their venom contains acetylcholine, which often makes a hornet's sting more painful than that of a common wasp. A single giant hornet is capable of killing between 30 and 40 bees per minute.
One anatomical distinction is that hornets have a proportionally larger vertex—the top of the head—compared to other wasps. Many insects referred to as "hornets" in North America, such as the bald-faced hornet, are actually types of yellowjackets, though they look very similar.
Despite the fear inspired by their size and sting, hornets remain a vital part of the ecosystem. If their nests are left undisturbed, they generally do not cause any trouble.
