Bald-faced Hornet

Description:

I spotted these two hornets on the ground, buzzing around in circles. I'm not really sure what was going on. In the few seconds I watched them, they seemed to be stinging each, but both were able to fly away from the scene. I'm not sure if this picture is clear enough to tell if these are females (queens or workers) fighting, or a drone and queen mating.

Habitat:

The bald-faced hornet lives in North America, including southern Canada, the Rocky Mountains, the western coast of the United States, and most of the eastern United States. It is most common in the southeastern United States. D. maculata is found in forested areas and in vegetation in urban areas. Nests are generally located in trees and bushes but they can occasionally be found under rock overhangs or the sides of buildings.

Notes:

Spotted along the Bear Creek Trail Ellijay GA