Hornet
Hornet Facts
| Size | 0.4-0.6 inches (12-16 mm) |
| Speed | Up to 20 mph (33 km/h) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Lifespan | About 22 days |
| Food | Fruit, insects |
| Predators | Birds, reptiles, mammals |
| Habitat | Europe, Asia |
| Order | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae |
| Scientific name | Vespinae |
| Characteristics | Long antennae, black and yellow stripes |
Main Characteristics
Hornets are large flying insects. They're a type of wasp. Their most eye-catching feature is the orange to reddish-brown coloring on head, upper body and wings. Their stinger is barbless, yet it can deliver a painful sting. They can be easily distinguished from other wasps by their body size and color.
Species
There are 22 species of hornets. The best known are the European hornet, the Asian giant hornet and the Oriental hornet. The European hornet is the largest wasp in Central Europe. It belongs to the same family as the German and common wasp.
Distribution and Habitat
Hornets live in tropical and temperate regions of the world. They're particularly common in Asia, but they are also widespread in Europe. They were brought from Europe to America in the middle of the 19th century, which is why they are now native there, too. Their preferred habitat is forests, bushes, meadows, parks and gardens.
Life Style
Hornets are very social. They form colonies with several hundred animals - sometimes up to 1,000. A colony consists of a queen, male drones and female workers. They build nests to protect themselves from attackers and to raise their offspring. The European hornet is active during the day and at night. The Asian giant hornet and the Oriental hornet are only active during the day.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Hornets are large insects. In Europe they grow to 0.7-1.3 inches (18-35 mm) and weigh up to 0.002 ounces (60 mg). The largest hornet lives in Asia. It has a body length of up to 2.2 inches (5.5 cm). It is the Asian giant hornet. Its wingspan is 3 inches (7.6 cm) and its stinger is 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long.
Eyes
Hornets have two compound eyes shaped like the letter C. With these they can see movements, colors and images particularly well. They also have three tiny simple eyes that sit exactly between the compound eyes. They help them distinguish between dark and light and perceive the time of the day.
Stinger
Only female hornets have a stinger. As with all wasps, it has no barbs. It doesn't get stuck in the skin. This is why the insects can sting multiple times.
Hornet or Wasp – What’s the Difference?
The hornet is one of 22 species of wasps. The question should actually be: How can you tell a hornet from a German wasp or a common wasp? These two are the two most unpopular species of wasp, as they love to eat sweet foods and are often bothering us, when we are eating outside. However, hornets have a different coloration. They're not only yellow and black, but also reddish-brown: especially on the head, upper body and wings. They are also bigger in size and their heads and upper bodies are broader.
Diet
Hornets are omnivores, but they feed primarily on other insects such as beetles, flies, dragonflies, ticks, aphids, caterpillars and grasshoppers. They also like to drink tree sap and flower nectar. The daily catch of a colony of 300-400 hornets is one pound (0,5 kg) of insects.
Colony
Hornets live in colonies consisting of hundreds of animals. Within the colony, there is a queen responsible for laying eggs, while the female workers gather food. The male hornets, known as drones, fertilize the queen's eggs. Their colony structure is quite similar to that of bees.
Nest
Hornet nests look like they're made of paper and that's not far from the truth. In fact, they're made of wood – the same material that paper is made from. They consume small wood pieces, mixing them with saliva to create a sticky substance for nest-building. Once dried, the mass becomes sturdy. They typically seek out hollow trees or sheltered spots to construct their nests.
Behavior
When Do Hornets Come Out?
The first hornets can be seen as early as May or June, depending on habitat and temperature. By that time, the first workers rush out to gather food for their colony. The last hornets can typically be spotted from September to October, after which they complete their life cycle and die. Only the young queens survive by hibernating for 6-8 months in a state of torpor.
Defense
Hornets will come together to protect their nest as a group when they feel threatened. They will not hesitate to use their stingers to ward off any potential threats.
Senses and Abilities
Sense of Smell
Hornets have an excellent sense of smell. In fact, it is their most important sense.
Speed
European hornets reach a speed of 12-15 mph (20-24 km/h). Asian giant hornets are even upping the ante. They fly at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h).
Dealing With Hornets
Sting
Hornets have a stinger that they use to kill prey or to defend themselves. They usually use it against insects. However, when they feel threatened, they also sting people.
Are Hornets Dangerous?
Hornets are less aggressive than wasps. You don't have to worry about them eating your cake or drinking your juice because they don't like sweet foods. Seeing a hornet is usually just a lucky coincidence, as they tend to fly away quickly after being spotted. However, if there is a nest nearby, that is a different matter. Hornets become very aggressive when their nest is in danger. Hornets communicate with each other to signal danger and gather in a group to protect themselves from threats.
How To Keep Hornets Away?
A small bowl of lemon slices and cloves or clove oil can repel hornets. They don't like the smell and tend to be driven away by it.
What to Do if You See a Hornet?
There are several situations where we might encounter a hornet. It might land on your arm because it's attracted to the sweat on your skin, which has essential minerals. Or it might buzz around you anxiously if it feels threatened or if its nest is close by. So what do you do when you see one? There are a few simple rules, and if you follow them you usually have nothing to worry about:
- Don't blow on it
- Avoid sudden movements
- Don't touch it
- Stay calm
- Walk away slowly
- Don't make noise
- Stay away from the nest
How To Get Rid of Hornets?
If a colony of hornets builds a nest in your own garden or house, it's hard to know what to do. Especially if you are allergic to their stings. It's not a good idea to destroy a nest with a stick or set it on fire. The hornets immediately become aggressive and will defend their nest. They gather in groups and attack anyone who poses a threat within a range of 20 feet (6 meters). In Germany, these animals are a protected species, so either way it's best to get professional help.
Venom
Potency
The European hornet's venom is weaker than that of a bee. Nevertheless, it contains a substance called acetylcholine, which makes a sting significantly more painful. It is said that it takes 300 stitches to kill a human. Even if a swarm attacks, it is unlikely that you will get stung that often.
Allergy
A sting causes pain and swelling, but is usually not serious. However, if you have an allergy, the venom can be much more dangerous. A sting can be life-threatening and, in very unfortunate cases, fatal. If you see the slightest signs of an allergic reaction, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Life Expectancy
The queens live up to a year. The workers live about 3-4 weeks and the drones 40-50 days.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
Natural enemies of hornets are birds such as the bee-eater, the honey buzzard and the swallow.
Importance for the Ecosystem
Hornets play a vital role in nature by keeping insect populations in check. They target pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, which is a big plus for us humans. Additionally, hornets contribute to the pollination of flowering plants, enhancing biodiversity.
Reproduction
In mid-May the queens awaken from their winter torpor and begin their search for a good nesting site. Then they build small cells in the nest in which they lay their eggs. After 30-50 days, around June, the first workers hatch. Starting in August, the young queens hatch. They mate with the male drones before autumn and then enter a state of torpor until spring.
Fun Facts
Black Hornets
Hikers are often frightened when they see large, black flying insects. Because of their size, they are mistaken for hornets and are called “black hornets”. In fact, it is the large carpenter bee.
Insects That Look Like Hornets
Animals that are not good at protecting themselves usually depend on blending in with their surroundings to stay safe. Some have evolved to mimic the appearance of other species, making themselves seem more threatening than they actually are. Hornet mimic hoverflies, hornet moths and some clubhorn sawflies. for example, look deceptively similar to a hornet, while being completely harmless and defenseless. This kind of camouflage is called mimicry and you can find out more about it in our video: Animal Camouflage.
The Hornet Is Related To:
- Yellowjacket
- Tree Wasp
- Pollen Wasp
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Badger
- Bat
- Bear
- Bee-Eater
- Caterpillar
- Cricket
- Dragonfly
- European Garden Spider
- European Hare
- Firefly
- Fly
- Grasshopper
- Great Spotted Woodpecker
- Hedgehog
- Honey Buzzard
- Ladybug
- Magpie
- Mole
- Mosquito
- Mouse
- Raccoon
- Red Fox
- Shrew
- Skunk
- Swallow
- Tick
- Weasel
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