European Hornet vs Asian Hornet: A Fascinating Battle of Two Species

European hornets and Asian hornets are two distinct species of wasps that are often confused due to their similar sizes and appearances. Both species have captured public attention in recent years, especially with the invasive introduction of the Asian hornet in some parts of the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences and similarities between these two hornet species, providing a better understanding for our readers.

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is native to Europe, Asia, and has been introduced to North America. It is a large wasp with a distinct yellow and black striped pattern on its abdomen. In contrast, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) – often incorrectly referred to as the “murder hornet” – is native to Asia and has been accidentally introduced to Europe, causing a significant ecological impact due to its tendency to prey on honeybees.

To help differentiate between these two species, we will compare their sizes, habitats, behaviors, and potential risks to humans and the environment. This information should prove helpful for anyone who encounters these hornets and wants to know more about their distinctions and similarities.

European Hornet vs Asian Hornet: Basic Comparison

Species Overview

The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) is a large wasp species native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They are often found in woodland areas but can also reside near human dwellings. On the other hand, the Asian Hornet or Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), is native to East and Southeast Asia. It has gained attention recently due to its invasive presence in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Size and Physical Features

• European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
  • Length: Up to 1.2 inches (3 cm)
  • Coloration: Yellow and brown striped abdomen, reddish-brown thorax
• Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia)
  • Length: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
  • Coloration: Orange head, black and orange striped abdomen

A key difference between the two species is their size and coloration. European hornets are smaller, and their coloration consists of yellow and brown stripes, while Asian giant hornets are larger and have orange and black stripes.

Range and Distribution

• European Hornet
  • Native to: Europe, North Africa, and Asia
  • Invasive presence: Eastern United States
• Asian Giant Hornet
  • Native to: East and Southeast Asia
  • Invasive presence: Pacific Northwest of the United States

European hornets have a wider native range, whereas Asian giant hornets are predominantly found in East and Southeast Asia. European hornets have become invasive in the Eastern United States, while Asian giant hornets have recently invaded the Pacific Northwest.

Nests and Colonies

Colony Structure

European hornets:

• Colonies begin with a single queen
• Can contain 300 or more workers by late summer¹

Asian giant hornets:

• Colonies have multiple queens²
• Can contain thousands of workers³

Nest Building

Both European hornets and Asian giant hornets build paper nests made of chewed wood fibers. However, the size of their nests differs:

• European hornet nests contain 1,500-3,000 cells⁴
• Asian giant hornet nests are bigger with more cells⁵

Location

Nest locations vary between these two hornet species:

European hornets:

• Build nests in cavities such as hollow trees and occasionally wall voids¹
• Nests peak in size during mid-September⁴

Asian giant hornets:

• Build nests in various locations, such as tree hollows, soil, and ground cavities⁶
• Nests increase in size from late summer into fall⁵

Comparison Table

Hornet Behavior and Diet

Social Wasp Lifestyle

European hornets (Vespa crabro) and Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) belong to the Vespidae family, making them both eusocial wasps. They share some common characteristics:

• Live in colonies
• Have a caste system (queen, workers, and males)
• Build nests from chewed cellulose

The location where their nests are built could be an important difference. European hornets tend to build nests in cavities, while Asian giant hornets may build nests both underground and above ground.

Feeding Habits

Both European and Asian hornets are carnivorous, with a strong preference for feeding on insects. A key difference between these species is the type of insects they target and the impact on the ecosystems in which they are found.

European hornets:

• Attack honey bees, but not as frequently as in their native range
• Incorporate sugar and carbohydrates in their diet, especially in fall (source)
• Attracted to fruit, leading to conflicts with humans

Asian giant hornets:

• Known for attacking honeybee colonies, posing a risk to the honeybee population
• Invasive species, potential to disrupt local ecosystems
• Carnivorous, attacking various insects including flies

Here is a brief comparison table highlighting some of the differences between these two types of hornets:

It’s essential to be aware of the differences between European and Asian hornets to properly address the impact of these species on ecosystems and potential encounters with humans.

Impact on Honey Bees and Pollination

Effects on Honey Bee Populations

Asian giant hornets, also known as murder hornets, can decimate entire honey bee hives in mere hours. They use their powerful mandibles to decapitate bees and carry away the thoraxes to feed their young. In contrast, European hornets may also attack honey bees, but their impact is significantly less severe.

A single Asian hornet can kill multiple honey bees:

• Stings: Hornets inject venom through their stings
• Population: Hornet attacks can drastically decrease bee populations

Asian hornets mostly target honey bee hives in late summer and early fall, when workers are feeding new queens and males within the colony.

Pollinators Threatened

Both Asian and European hornets negatively affect honey bees, which are essential pollinators. Honey bees play a crucial role in plant-pollinator interaction networks and are critical for agricultural productivity.

Comparing the two hornets’ impact on honey bees and pollination:

Pollinators like honey bees are crucial to:

• Pollination: Honey bees help with the reproduction of plants
• Agriculture: Honey bee pollination increases crop yields
• Biodiversity: Healthy ecosystems rely on plant-pollinator interactions

It is critical for beekeepers, regulators, and the general public to detect and identify these exotic hornets, especially Asian giant hornets, to protect honey bee populations and maintain adequate pollination levels.

Hornet Management and Control

Traps and Pesticides

Invasive hornets like the Asian giant hornet pose threats to honey bees and native ecosystems. Traps, typically baited with sweet foods, can be used to capture and monitor hornet populations. Pesticides, if used carefully, may aid in controlling problematic infestations.

Example:

• Asian giant hornet traps in the Pacific Northwest have helped manage invasions.

However, pesticides must be chosen carefully to ensure they target the invasive hornets without harming native species or the environment.

Conservation Efforts

Conserving native hornet species, like the European hornet, is important for maintaining balanced ecosystems. Introducing natural predators or supporting existing ones, especially in areas with UK sightings of invasive hornets, can help manage these pests.

For example:

• Encouraging bird and bat populations in Tetbury and Gloucestershire in the UK can help control invasive hornet populations.

Some comparisons between European and Asian giant hornets:

Hornet characteristics:

• European hornet: Yellow and black markings
• Asian giant hornet: Orange and black markings
• Both have powerful stingers and can be aggressive when threatened

In conclusion, managing invasive hornet populations requires a combination of efforts, such as trapping, pesticides, and conservation of native species. Always consider potential side effects and risks when selecting control methods, and monitor local ecosystems for possible sightings and range expansion.

Human Interaction and Safety

Risk of Stings to Humans

European hornets and Asian hornets, also known as “murder hornets,” can pose risks to humans, especially when their nests are disturbed. While European hornets might not pose as significant a threat, Asian hornets are known to cause around 50 deaths per year in Japan, where they are most prevalent.

Multiple stings from either species can be particularly dangerous, especially for people with allergies.

Hornet Identification

Quick identification of these hornets is crucial for proper prevention measures. European hornets have a wingspan of about 1.2 inches, while Asian hornets average over 1.5 inches in length. Some of the distinct features to help identify them are:

• European hornets: large bodies with reddish or brown striped markings and a black, “velvety” abdomen
• Asian hornets: black thorax with yellow stripes, and distinctive reddish-orange wings

Prevention

In order to minimize the risk of stings or nest disturbances, be sure to take these preventative steps:

• Regularly inspect your property for signs of nests, particularly in sheltered areas like tree hollows or building crevices
• Seal any holes or gaps in your home’s exterior to prevent hornets from building nests within
• Avoid swatting or threatening a hornet, as it may provoke an attack
• If you encounter a nest, engage a professional to safely remove or destroy it

Comparison Table: European Hornet vs Asian Hornet

Taking proper precautions and being able to identify these hornets can help ensure your safety and the well-being of your environment.