Hornet

Species: European hornet

Scientific name: Vespa crabro

Appearance: Abdomen is striped yellow and brown. Hair on abdomen and thorax, but less hairy than most bees. Wings are reddish orange. Eyes are shaped like the letter C.

Size: Workers are typically 2.5cm long whereas queens are 3.5cm.

Natural History: The European hornet is the largest native wasp on the continent. Unlike other hornets, it is less aggressive and only stings when threatened. They are largely carnivorous, preying on large insects. They live in colonies within intricate paper nests.