Many people often confuse yellowjackets with hornets, frequently using the terms interchangeably or being uncertain about their distinctions. This confusion stems from their similar appearances and shared reputation as stinging insects. Understanding the differences between these two common social wasps is important for proper identification. This article aims to clarify whether yellowjackets and hornets are the same and highlights key features to tell them apart.
Taxonomic Classification
Yellowjackets and hornets are both social wasps belonging to the family Vespidae, which also includes paper wasps. While related, they are classified into different genera. True hornets belong to the genus Vespa, and yellowjackets are categorized under the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula.
The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only true hornet species found in North America. Some wasps commonly referred to as hornets, such as the bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata), are actually a type of yellowjacket. Both hornets and yellowjackets are part of the Vespinae subfamily, indicating their close evolutionary relationship.
Identifying Features
Distinguishing between yellowjackets and hornets involves observing their physical characteristics, nesting habits, and general behavior. These differences provide practical clues for identification.
Yellowjackets measure about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in length. Their bodies feature a distinct, bright yellow and black banded pattern, which is more vibrant than hornets. They have a narrow waist and their wings fold longitudinally when at rest. Hornets are larger and more robust, with European hornets ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long. Their coloration tends to be more muted, a mix of brownish-yellow or reddish-brown with black markings, and they possess a relatively larger head compared to yellowjackets.
Nesting habits differ between these wasps. Many yellowjacket species build their paper nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows, tree stumps, or other enclosed cavities. Some yellowjackets, including the bald-faced hornet, construct aerial nests in trees or shrubs, or in attics or wall voids. Hornets, conversely, build large, enclosed, paper-like nests above ground, often in tree hollows, under eaves, or attached to branches. These nests can be quite large, sometimes reaching the size of a basketball.
Behavioral tendencies help differentiate them. Yellowjackets are more aggressive, especially when their nests are disturbed or when foraging for food. They sting repeatedly and may release an alarm pheromone if threatened, which can prompt other wasps to attack. Hornets, while defensive of their nests, are less aggressive than yellowjackets outside their nest vicinity. They only sting when provoked or when their colony is threatened.
Common Misunderstandings
The confusion between yellowjackets and hornets is due to several overlapping characteristics and common perceptions. Both insect types share a wasp-like appearance, featuring yellow and black markings, which leads to misidentification. Their similar stinging capabilities, where both can sting multiple times unlike honeybees, further blurs the distinction.
Overlap in habitats contributes to the confusion, as both yellowjackets and hornets can be found in similar environments, including gardens, parks, and around human dwellings. The broad use of the term “hornet” to refer to any large, aggressive wasp, even those that are taxonomically yellowjackets, exacerbates confusion. For instance, the bald-faced hornet, despite its name, is a yellowjacket. Despite these confusions, understanding their specific physical traits, nesting preferences, and temperaments helps in accurate identification.