What is a Hornet?
A hornet is an everyday term for a group of wasp. Wasps fall into the genus Vespa, and hornets are members of Vespa that are generally larger and have a larger vertex (the spot on the head behind the eyes). Hornets also typically build hanging paper nests. To summarize, hornets are large wasps with unique head structure.
There are many bee-like insects in America that get called "hornets", such as yellow-jackets, but these things are not hornets. America is only home to one species of true hornet: the European hornet. Like many other hymenopterans, hornets can be either solitary or eusocial- more on that later.
A hornet is an everyday term for a group of wasp. Wasps fall into the genus Vespa, and hornets are members of Vespa that are generally larger and have a larger vertex (the spot on the head behind the eyes). Hornets also typically build hanging paper nests. To summarize, hornets are large wasps with unique head structure.
There are many bee-like insects in America that get called "hornets", such as yellow-jackets, but these things are not hornets. America is only home to one species of true hornet: the European hornet. Like many other hymenopterans, hornets can be either solitary or eusocial- more on that later.
Where are Hornets, and How Many are There?
Hornets are typically found in the northern hemisphere, and very few venture deep into the southern hemisphere.
In the United States, there is only one species of true hornet: the European hornet. that being said, there are actually more than twenty species of hornet worldwide.
Hornets are typically found in the northern hemisphere, and very few venture deep into the southern hemisphere.
In the United States, there is only one species of true hornet: the European hornet. that being said, there are actually more than twenty species of hornet worldwide.
I've Found a Bee! Is it a Hornet?
There area few quick steps you can take to help you decide if the buzzing-buddy you have discovered is a hornet or not.
One, is the waist (the connection piece between the abdomen and thorax) thin? A thin waist is characteristic of wasps and hornets, where as bee's typically have thicker waists.
Two, coloration. Hornets are typically yellow and black or white and black. Other wasps tend to vary in color combinations.
Three, how wide is the vertex (see paragraph 1 on this page). In hornets, the vertex is wider when compared to other wasps.
Four, the nest. Perhaps you could follow your new friend home and take mental note of it's location. True hornets build oval shaped paper nests in hollow trees or hanging in other sheltered structures.
If you can say yes to most/all of these, then you are definitely looking at a member of the Vespa family.
There area few quick steps you can take to help you decide if the buzzing-buddy you have discovered is a hornet or not.
One, is the waist (the connection piece between the abdomen and thorax) thin? A thin waist is characteristic of wasps and hornets, where as bee's typically have thicker waists.
Two, coloration. Hornets are typically yellow and black or white and black. Other wasps tend to vary in color combinations.
Three, how wide is the vertex (see paragraph 1 on this page). In hornets, the vertex is wider when compared to other wasps.
Four, the nest. Perhaps you could follow your new friend home and take mental note of it's location. True hornets build oval shaped paper nests in hollow trees or hanging in other sheltered structures.
If you can say yes to most/all of these, then you are definitely looking at a member of the Vespa family.