European Hornet

Description:

Despite its rather fearsome appearance, it is rarely aggressive (1); this species has been much maligned and will usually only attack if the colony is threatened. Queens (reproductive females) are larger than males and workers (non-reproductive females. The head features large, c-shaped eyes, robust antennae and three simple eyes or 'ocelli' arranged in a triangle between the main eyes (2). The thorax and abdomen are separated by a distinct 'wasp-waist', and there are alternating bright orange-yellow and brownish-black stripes along the abdomen. There are two pairs of wings, which are joined together by means of tiny hooks, giving the appearance that there is just one pair of wings (2).

Habitat:

Hornets nest in hollow trees, wall cavities, chimneys and similar structures (1). They show a preference for wooded areas (3).

Notes:

This insect likes to hang out on my hummingbird feeders.