Hornet
Hornets are large social wasps in the genus Vespa, within the subfamily Vespinae.
Hornets are large social wasps in the genus Vespa, known for building papery nests and delivering potent stings.
What it is
Hornets are eusocial wasps in the genus Vespa, subfamily Vespinae. They are among the largest wasps, typically black or brown with yellow markings. The term "true hornet" refers only to Vespa species, though it is sometimes used loosely for other large wasps.
Key details
Hornets live in colonies with queens, workers, and drones. They build papery nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva, often in trees, shrubs, or building cavities. Most of the roughly 20 species are native to Eurasia, with some found in Europe, Africa, and North America.
Why it matters
Hornets are often feared for their size and sting, but they are not necessarily more aggressive than other wasps. In Canada, the European hornet has been introduced and can be encountered as part of the broader North American insect fauna.
In short
- Hornets are large wasps in the genus Vespa.
- They build papery nests from wood pulp and saliva.
- Most species are native to Eurasia; the European hornet is found in Canada.
- 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]
Quick questions
What is a hornet?
Are hornets more aggressive than other wasps?
Where do hornets build their nests?
Sources
- 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.