European Hornet

Woodlands, gardens, and shrublands; commonly nests in hollow trees, wall voids, and attics.

Adults feed on sugary substances like fruit and tree sap; larvae are fed protein from hunted insects like flies, bees, and moths.

Eusocial insects with a queen and workers. Unlike most wasps, they are active both day and night and are often attracted to artificial lights at night.

Benefits include biological pest control of other insects. Risks include painful stings if the nest is threatened; while generally less aggressive than yellowjackets, their size makes stings significant for those with allergies.