Hornet
Hornets are large social wasps in the genus Vespa, within the subfamily Vespinae.
Hornets are large social wasps in the genus Vespa, within the subfamily Vespinae. They are among the largest eusocial wasps and are known for building papery nests and for their potent stings. The term is sometimes used loosely for other large wasps, but "true hornets" are Vespa species.
Classification and naming
Hornets are the true hornets of the genus Vespa in the subfamily Vespinae. The name is sometimes used more broadly in common speech, but authoritative sources define hornets as large vespid wasps in Vespa.
Description
Hornets are large social wasps, typically black or brown with yellow or yellowish markings. Some species, such as the Asian giant hornet, are among the largest wasps known.
Behaviour and nesting
Hornets live in colonies with caste structure and build above-ground nests from chewed wood pulp mixed with saliva. Their nests are often found in trees, shrubs, or cavities in structures.
Distribution and species
About 20 hornet species are recognized, with most native to Eurasia and additional species found in Europe, Africa, and North America. The European hornet and the Asian giant hornet are among the best-known species.
Key facts
- Hornets are wasps of the genus Vespa.
- They are among the largest eusocial wasps.
- Hornets are social insects that live in colonies with queens, workers, and drones.
- They usually build papery nests from wood pulp and saliva.
- Hornets are often perceived as dangerous because of their size and sting, but they are not necessarily more aggressive than other wasps.
Hornets are relevant to Canadian readers because the European hornet has been introduced in North America, and hornets can be encountered in parts of Canada as part of the broader North American insect fauna.[4][15]
Frequently asked questions
What is a hornet?
Are hornets more aggressive than other wasps?
Where do hornets build their nests?
How many hornet species are there?
What is the largest hornet?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HornetSupports: Hornets are wasps of the genus Vespa; they are the largest eusocial wasps; size examples including European hornet and Asian giant hornet.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/hornet-insectSupports: Hornet definition as genus Vespa; about 20 species; mostly native to Eurasia; social structure; nesting; relative aggressiveness; Asian giant hornet as largest known wasp species.
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hornetSupports: Dictionary definition of hornet as larger vespid wasps of genus Vespa that usually build large papery nests.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/hornetsSupports: Hornets are wasps of genus Vespa; there are about 20 species; distribution across Europe, Africa, North America; nests made from chewed wood pulp.
- The Wildlife Trusts — https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/bees-and-wasps/hornetSupports: Hornet biology, nesting, life cycle, size, and note that hornets are less aggressive than common wasps.
- A-Z Animals — https://a-z-animals.com/animals/hornet/Supports: General description, distribution, and note that the European hornet was brought to North America by European settlers.