Hornets are large, striking insects belonging to the family of social wasps, known for their highly organized community life. Their collective existence is built on a complex social structure and a meticulously constructed home. This social organization allows the group to function as a unified entity, ensuring the survival and growth of the next generation.
The Collective Nomenclature
The most accurate terms used to describe a group of hornets reflect their social behavior and physical dwelling. The most common terms are a “colony” or a “nest” of hornets. A colony emphasizes the social organization and caste system, while a nest highlights the physical structure that houses the group. The term “swarm” refers specifically to a large number of hornets in flight, often during defense or reproduction.
Social Roles Within the Colony
The hornet colony is a highly structured society defined by a division of labor among three primary castes, illustrating advanced sociality known as eusociality.
The Queen
The Queen is the sole reproductive female responsible for initiating the colony and laying all the eggs. She emerges from hibernation in the spring to start the small, initial nest.
The Workers
The Workers are sterile females who form the vast majority of the population. They are responsible for all maintenance tasks, including foraging, expanding the nest, and defending the territory. Their activity drives the colony’s growth through the summer months.
The Drones
The Drones are the males of the colony, developing from unfertilized eggs. They serve a single reproductive function: mating with new queens in the late season. Unlike workers, drones are docile, do not possess a stinger, and do not participate in nest duties.
Anatomy and Construction of the Nest
The hornet’s nest is the physical manifestation of the colony, providing protection and a controlled environment for the brood. Workers build this structure from a paper-like substance created by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva. This cellulose pulp hardens into a durable, layered material. The structure consists of horizontal tiers of hexagonal brood cells, enclosed within a thick, multi-layered paper envelope that provides insulation and defense. Nests vary in size and location; for example, the European hornet nests in hollow trees, while the Bald-faced hornet builds large aerial nests.
Distinguishing Hornets from Other Wasps
True hornets belong to the genus Vespa and are distinct from close relatives like yellow jackets and paper wasps, though all are social wasps. Hornets are generally the largest social wasps, often reaching 1.5 inches in length, and have a stockier body with a broader abdomen. Their coloration is typically muted, featuring reddish-brown and yellow-orange, unlike the bright yellow and black bands of yellow jackets. Behaviorally, hornets are highly defensive of their nests but are generally less aggressive when away from home. Their nesting habits also differ: hornets build large, enclosed paper nests, yellow jackets nest underground, and paper wasps construct open, umbrella-shaped nests.