Hornet
Scientific name: Vespa crabro
Quick facts
Common name(s): European hornet
Scientific name: Vespa crabro
Family: Vespidae
Habitat: woodland
Predators: birds, lizards
Origin: native
The magnificent European hornet is native to the UK and is frequently seen in the Beeches during the summer months. About twice the size of a common wasp but far less aggressive, they are yellow with brown/red striped bodies, and they typically build their papery nests (made from chewed up wood) in dark, sheltered spots like hollow trees. In spring and summer, they hunt insects like dragonflies and moths but also help with pollinating when they visit flowers in search of nectar. Our native hornet mustn’t be mistaken for the non-native Asian hornet, which is nearly all black with yellow legs, far more aggressive and poses a threat to our native wildlife and honeybees.