Bald-faced Hornet Queen

Description:

Fertilized Bald-faced hornet queens overwinter underground or under logs and emerge in the spring to begin nest building. They build aerial paper nests mostly in trees and bushes, but sometimes other structures. Nests can get as tall as 3 feet. These hornets are extremely protective of their nests and will sting repeatedly if the nest is disturbed. (Never approach a bald-faced hornet nest!) Adults drink nectar from flowers and can be minor pollinators. They also feed on fruit. They are predators and capture insects that are chewed up and fed to their young.

Habitat:

Throughout North America, except the dry mid-west. Nests in trees and bushes usually in meadows, forest edges and yards.

Notes:

Spotted feeding on butterfly mash (rotten fruit & stale beer).