A “black hornet” is a common term often used to describe various large, dark-colored stinging insects, which can lead to misidentification and confusion. While no single species is officially named the “black hornet,” this description frequently refers to the European hornet, the only true hornet species established in North America. The term also sometimes applies to other wasps, such as the bald-faced hornet, which share a dark coloration. Understanding their characteristics helps in accurate identification.
Identifying “Black Hornets”
When people refer to a “black hornet,” they mean the European hornet (Vespa crabro), a large insect with a brownish body and distinct yellow stripes on its abdomen. This hornet measures between 1 and 1.5 inches long, with queens potentially reaching up to 2 inches. Its head is reddish-orange with a yellow face, and its thorax is a mix of red and brown. The abdomen, while mostly yellow towards the rear, features small brown teardrop-shaped markings that disrupt the yellow bands.
Another insect frequently called a “black hornet” is the bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata), though it is actually a type of yellowjacket. This species is predominantly black with striking white or ivory markings, especially on its face and the tip of its abdomen. Bald-faced hornets are somewhat smaller than European hornets, ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 inches, with queens being slightly larger.
Habitat and Habits
European hornets arrived in North America around the 1840s and are now found across the eastern United States. These social insects build nests in dark, sheltered locations, such as hollow trees, barns, attics, or wall voids. Their nests are constructed from chewed wood pulp, giving them a papery appearance, and can house colonies ranging from 200 to 400 members. European hornets are carnivorous, preying on other insects like grasshoppers, flies, and yellowjackets, which they feed to their larvae. Adults also consume sugary substances like tree sap and fallen fruit, and are active at night, sometimes attracted to lights.
Bald-faced hornets, despite their common name, are a type of aerial yellowjacket native to North America. They construct distinctive, enclosed, egg-shaped paper nests that are gray and can grow quite large, often hanging from tree branches, shrubs, or building eaves. These social wasps live in colonies that can reach populations of 100 to 400 individuals by late summer. Like European hornets, bald-faced hornets are predators, feeding on other insects, and adults also consume nectar and other sugary liquids.
Understanding Their Sting
The European hornet is not aggressive unless its nest is disturbed or it feels threatened. While its sting can be painful, European hornets can sting multiple times because their stinger does not detach. Local reactions to a sting include pain, swelling, and itching, which subside within a few hours. However, multiple stings can lead to more severe symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or fainting, and allergic reactions, though uncommon, can be serious.
Bald-faced hornets are more aggressive, particularly when defending their nests. They will sting repeatedly if provoked, delivering venom that causes immediate pain, itching, and swelling that can last approximately 24 hours. Reactions to their stings include localized discomfort, with systemic allergic reactions occurring in sensitive individuals.
Differentiating from Similar Insects
Distinguishing between hornets and other insects is important for proper identification. The European hornet is larger than most other wasps and yellowjackets, and its brown and yellow coloration, along with reddish-brown markings on its head and thorax, sets it apart. Yellowjackets, for instance, are smaller and have more defined black and yellow striped patterns across their bodies. Cicada killer wasps, while also large, have different body shapes and coloration, often with black and yellow markings that do not resemble the teardrop patterns of the European hornet.
The bald-faced hornet, despite its common name, is distinguishable from true hornets and other wasps by its unique black and white coloration. Unlike the European hornet’s brownish hues, the bald-faced hornet is almost entirely black with prominent white markings on its face and abdomen. Another insect sometimes confused for a “black hornet” is the great black wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus), which is entirely black and quite large, measuring up to 1.4 inches. However, the great black wasp is a solitary digger wasp, meaning it does not live in colonies or build large paper nests, and is not aggressive towards humans.