Hornets are a type of social wasp, and understanding their distinct physical characteristics is helpful for accurate identification. This article provides clear visual cues to distinguish hornets from other insects.
General Physical Characteristics
Hornets are larger and more robust than many other common wasps, typically measuring 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) in length. Their bodies are stout with a broad abdomen. Coloration often includes dark brown or black bodies contrasted with pale yellow, orange, or reddish-brown markings.
The head of a hornet is prominent and features large compound eyes. Their antennae are long, curved, and segmented. Hornets possess two pairs of translucent wings, with the front pair being longer than the hind pair; these wings are folded longitudinally along their bodies when at rest. The thorax, where the wings and six legs attach, is covered in fine, dark hairs.
Identifying Hornets from Similar Insects
Distinguishing hornets from other insects, particularly yellowjackets and bees, involves observing several key visual differences. Hornets are typically larger and have a more robust, stocky build compared to the often more slender yellowjackets. While both hornets and yellowjackets can have yellow and black striping, hornets often display more muted tones, incorporating browns, oranges, or reddish-browns, whereas yellowjackets typically have brighter, more distinct yellow and black patterns.
Bees have hairier, more rounded bodies and lack the distinct “pinched-in” waist visible in hornets. Hornet bodies are smoother with less hair, and their legs are less bulky than those of bees. While bees have barbed stingers that remain in the victim, hornets possess smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times.
Appearance of Common Hornet Species
The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only true hornet species established in North America. Workers measure around 1 inch (25 mm) in length, while queens can reach up to 1.4 inches (35 mm). They have a reddish-brown head and thorax, with a predominantly yellow abdomen featuring brown or black stripes and teardrop-shaped markings. Their wings have a reddish-orange tint.
The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is larger, with workers measuring 1.5 to 2 inches (3.5 to 5 cm) and queens reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. This species has a large, yellowish-orange head with prominent eyes and a black thorax. Its abdomen displays black and orange/yellow stripes, and it possesses a large, orange mandible.