The European hornet, Vespa crabro, is a large social wasp species, distinguished by its reddish-brown and yellow coloration. These insects construct elaborate paper-like nests from chewed wood fibers and saliva. Unlike some other wasp species, European hornets are active at night and attracted to artificial light sources.
Geographic Distribution
The European hornet is native to Eurasia, with its historical range extending from the United Kingdom across Europe and Russia to parts of northeastern Asia, including Japan. The species has also become established outside its native range.
It was first introduced to North America around 1840. Since then, it has spread across most of the eastern United States, reaching as far west as Oklahoma, Kansas, the Dakotas, and south to Louisiana and Georgia. Its presence has also been documented in parts of Canada, including southern Ontario and Quebec. This spread is largely attributed to accidental introduction through trade and importing goods.
Preferred Nesting and Foraging Sites
European hornets prefer building nests in secluded, dark, and protected cavities. Common natural nesting sites include hollow trees, tree cavities, and abandoned animal burrows. They often choose entry sites at least 6 feet above ground, providing additional protection for the colony.
Beyond natural settings, European hornets frequently utilize human-made structures for nesting. These can include attics, wall voids within buildings, sheds, barns, garages, and even abandoned beehives. Nests are constructed from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, forming a papery material. Nests built within protective cavities typically lack the papery outer covering seen on more exposed nests, and they can grow quite large, sometimes reaching 2-3 feet in length with 800-1000 workers in warmer climates.
European hornets have diverse foraging habits, reflecting their omnivorous diet. They primarily hunt other large insects such as grasshoppers, caterpillars, flies, and other wasps, which serve as a protein source for their developing larvae. Adults also consume sugary substances, including tree sap, nectar, and fallen fruit. In late summer and fall, as colony needs shift, they may be more frequently observed near ripe fruit, trash bins, or compost piles.
Environmental Factors Influencing Habitat
The distribution of European hornets is influenced by various environmental conditions. Climate plays a role, as these hornets are found predominantly in temperate regions. The annual life cycle of their colonies is tied to seasonal changes, with workers and the old queen dying off by winter and newly mated queens overwintering in sheltered locations like under bark or leaf litter.
Availability of suitable nesting materials and food sources is also important. European hornets require wood fibers to construct their paper nests, which they obtain by chewing bark from trees and other plant materials. Their diet necessitates a consistent supply of insects for protein and sugary plant exudates or fruits for carbohydrates.
Human-altered landscapes, particularly suburban and urban environments with ample trees and structures, can provide suitable habitats. The presence of hollow trees, wall voids, attics, and other protected spaces in residential areas offers ideal nesting opportunities. While they typically prefer wooded areas, their adaptability allows them to establish colonies near human activity, explaining their increasing presence in developed regions.