Bald-faced hornet

Woodlands, meadows, and urban areas; typically builds large aerial paper nests in trees or on buildings.

Adults primarily consume nectar and fruit juices; larvae are fed protein in the form of chewed-up insects like flies and caterpillars.

Eusocial insects with a caste system including a queen, workers, and drones. They are highly protective of their nests and can be aggressive if provoked.

Risks include painful stings that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Ecosystem benefits include controlling populations of other insect pests and acting as minor pollinators.