Hornets, known as large, predatory social wasps, are integral to their ecosystems. Despite their formidable appearance and stinging capabilities, hornets have natural predators. They serve as a food source for various animals across different biological classes. These predators adapt unique strategies to overcome hornet defenses, contributing to the balance of nature.
Birds That Prey on Hornets
Several bird species prey on hornets. The European honey buzzard specializes in eating wasps, bees, and hornets, including their larvae and pupae. This bird possesses dense, scale-like plumage that protects against stings, allowing it to dig into nests for its meal. Honey buzzards follow individual hornets back to their nests, then use their powerful claws and beaks to access the grubs within.
Other birds also opportunistically consume hornets. Shrikes, also known as “butcher birds,” hunt various insects, including hornets. Bee-eaters specialize in eating stinging insects, capturing them mid-air. They often rub them against a hard surface to remove the stinger before consumption. Some larger songbirds may also prey on hornets.
Insects That Hunt Hornets
A diverse array of insects also preys on hornets, showcasing intricate dynamics. Robber flies, such as the hornet robberfly, are formidable aerial predators that mimic hornets in appearance. They ambush hornets mid-flight, seizing them with spiny legs and then using their sharp mouthparts to inject digestive fluids and consume the body fluids.
Praying mantises are another group of insects that capture and consume hornets. These patient predators use their powerful, spiky forelegs to snatch unsuspecting prey. Dragonflies also prey on hornets; larger species like the golden-ringed dragonfly can subdue even larger wasps.
Mammals and Other Creatures That Eat Hornets
Mammals often target hornet nests, particularly for the protein-rich larvae and pupae. Badgers are predators of hornets, using strong claws to dig into nests, even underground ones, to access the grubs. Their thick fur provides some protection against stings, allowing them to withstand attacks while raiding nests. Bears also seek out hornet nests for larvae and pupae as a food source. They may tolerate stings to get to the nutritional contents of the nest.
Smaller mammals like shrews and some rodents may feed on hornets or their larvae if they encounter a nest. Beyond mammals, amphibians and reptiles also include hornets in their diet. Larger frog species, such as bullfrogs, consume hornets, typically swallowing them whole to avoid stings. Stings can still occur. Lizards, too, have been observed eating hornets, often quickly decapitating or crushing the insect to neutralize the threat of a sting before consumption.