Hornets buzz, and this sound serves a dual purpose: it is both an automatic consequence of movement and a deliberate form of communication. The noise is created by the rapid oscillation of their wings, but the resulting auditory signal is also used in specialized roles within the colony’s social structure. The volume and pitch of the buzz often provide the first clue to a hornet’s presence, whether it is simply in flight or actively signaling a warning.
The Physics of Hornet Flight Sound
The familiar buzzing sound associated with hornets is an involuntary byproduct of their flight mechanism. This noise is generated as the insect’s wings move rapidly through the air, creating pressure waves that register as sound to human ears. The wings beat at a specific rate, known as the wing beat frequency, which is the physical source of the flight tone.
Because hornets are substantially larger and possess greater wing mass than most other wasps or bees, their flight sound is characteristically deeper and louder. For example, the European hornet produces a fundamental flight frequency of approximately 110 hertz. This relatively low frequency results in a more resonant, heavy hum compared to the higher-pitched whine of smaller flying insects.
Communication Sounds: Beyond the Wings
Beyond the simple mechanics of flight, hornets intentionally generate specific sounds for social and defensive communication. One aggressive and easily recognizable sound is a sharp, audible clicking or grinding noise. This sound is produced by rapidly snapping or scraping their mandibles (jaws) together as a close-range threat display and warning signal used when a hornet feels threatened.
Within the paper nest structure, hornets utilize a subtler form of communication involving substrate vibration. Workers produce a low, persistent humming or soft buzzing that transmits through the nest material. This nest vibration serves as a social signal, communicating general activity levels or, more importantly, an alarm signal throughout the colony when a disturbance occurs. The specific context dictates the type of intentional sound used, transforming the ambient buzz into a directed message.
Comparing Hornet Sounds to Other Insects
The size and weight of a hornet dictate a lower wing beat frequency, which is the primary factor distinguishing its buzz from that of other insects. A larger body requires more power and produces a slower oscillation of the wings, resulting in a deeper pitch. This contrasts sharply with the higher-pitched buzz produced by smaller flying insects, such as the common honeybee.
Honeybees typically generate a fundamental flight frequency around 210 hertz, nearly double that of the European hornet. This difference in pitch provides a practical auditory cue for differentiation. The smaller yellow jacket also produces a higher-pitched, thinner buzz compared to the resonant drone of a hornet. Consequently, the deeper, more sonorous quality of the hornet’s buzz is a reliable characteristic for identification.