European Hornet

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, gardens, and near human structures where they nest in hollow trees or wall voids

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on sugary substances like sap and nectar, while they hunt large insects such as flies, beetles, and bees to feed their larvae

Behavior Patterns

Eusocial insects that form annual colonies. They are notably active at night (attracted to lights) and are less aggressive than smaller yellowjackets unless their nest is disturbed

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling garden pests; risks include painful stings which can be dangerous to individuals with venom allergies

Identified on: 5/4/2026