European hornet

European hornet
Queen (top), worker (middle) and male (bottom) of the "germana" color form
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Vespidae
Genus: Vespa
Species:
V. crabro
Binomial name
Vespa crabro

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the largest eusocial wasp native to Europe. It is also the only true hornet (genus Vespa) found in North America, having been introduced to the United States and Canada from Europe as early as 1840.[1][2] Vespines, such as V. crabro, are known for making intricate paper-like nests out of surrounding plant materials and other fibers.[3] Unlike most other vespines, reproductive suppression involves worker policing instead of queen pheromone control, as was previously thought.

This species stings in response to being stepped on or grabbed, but generally avoids conflict. It is also defensive of its nest and can be aggressive around food sources. Care should be taken when they are found in these circumstances, as they may sting without warning. European hornets are largely carnivorous and hunt large insects such as beetles, wasps, large moths, dragonflies, and mantises.[4][5][6][7][8] They also feed on fallen fruit and other sources of sugary food.[2] Mutual predation between medium-sized hornets and the Asilidae (robber flies) is often reported.

  1. ^ "Hornets: Gentle Giants". Dieter Kosmeier. 2013. Retrieved 2014-09-30.
  2. ^ a b "European Hornet (Department of Entomology)". Department of Entomology (Penn State University). Retrieved 2018-06-27.
  3. ^ Bagriaçik, N. (2011). "Determination of some structural features of the nest paper of Vespa orientalis Linneaus [sic], 1771 and Vespa crabro Linneaus [sic], 1758 (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) in Turkey". Archives of Biological Sciences. 63 (2): 449–455. doi:10.2298/ABS1102449B.
  4. ^ モンスズメバチ(vespa crabro flavofasciata)[permanent dead link] goo
  5. ^ European Hornet Kills Dragonfly What's that bugs?
  6. ^ European Hornet eats Swamp Darner What's that bugs?
  7. ^ insecte : frelon mangeant une mante religieuse Education environnement, nature et patrimoine
  8. ^ 사마귀와 말벌의 사투(vespa crabro flavofasciata) cafe,daum