Bald-faced hornet

Found in woodlands, gardens, and urban settings throughout North America. They typically build large aerial paper nests in trees, shrubs, or on building eaves.

Adults feed on plant nectar and fruit juices. They are also predatory, hunting flies, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects to feed to their larvae.

Eusocial insects that live in colonies founded by a single queen each spring. They are highly protective of their nests and can be aggressive if disturbed. Nests are abandoned after the first hard frost.

Risks include powerful, painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits include natural pest control and minor pollination services.