Invertebrates
European Hornet
Vespa crabro
On a warm summer night in a French orchard, a European hornet drones to a lit window, its brown-and-yellow body large and slow beside the moths.
Overview
The European hornet, Vespa crabro, is a Not Evaluated social wasp of woodland, hedgerows, and parks across Europe and western Asia, with an introduced population in the eastern United States. Its size, night flying, and gentler-than-expected nature make it one of the most misunderstood insects of European woods.
A hornet with a bad reputation
Though large and impressive, the European hornet is usually placid, and its main role is as a predator of other insects, including some pest wasps.
Status
Not Evaluated globally, though protected in some countries.
European Hornet: common questions
Is the European hornet dangerous?
It is generally placid away from its nest, though its sting is painful if it is provoked or the nest is disturbed.
Why does the European hornet fly at night?
Unlike most wasps, it flies at dusk and after dark, and is often drawn to lights.
What does the European hornet eat?
Adults drink tree sap and ripe fruit, while workers hunt other insects, including wasps, flies, and bees, for the larvae.
Where is the European hornet found?
It lives in woodland, hedgerows, and parks across Europe and western Asia, with an introduced population in the eastern United States.