European hornet

Large Old-World stinger

The European hornet is a large wasp native to Europe, now established in eastern North America.

It's the largest hornet in Europe, with queens reaching over an inch long.

Unlike many hornets, European hornets are active at night and attracted to lights.

Their sting is painful but no more dangerous than other wasps unless you're allergic: A European hornet got into the house and everyone panicked.

Related

painful sting · loud buzzing · attack · queen · flight · hum · venomous · yellowjackets · hymenoptera · invasive species · insect · natural pest control · pest control · brown · ecological impact · nocturnal · night flyer · entomology

Opposites
geographic origin/species contrast

European hornetAsian giant hornet

Largest hornet species worldwide

Japanese giant hornet · Asian hornet · bald-faced hornet

hymenopteran type

European hornethoneybee

Nectar-gathering social insect

bee · bumblebee · ant · paper wasp · yellowjacket

predator-prey relationship

European hornethoneybee

Nectar-gathering social insect

caterpillar · grasshopper · cricket · cicada · fly

Family

European, Europe, Europeanize, Europeanization, hornet, hornets

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G