Vespa crabro, European Hornet

Common Name: European Hornet

Vespa crabro, more commonly known as the European Hornet, occurs in many parts of England and Wales, extending from Cornwall to Kent and northwards to Yorkshire. From the 1970s, hornets spread to the north Midlands and Yorkshire: previous records for these localities were at the beginning of the 20th century.

It is found in many lowland habitats, but particularly associated with ancient deciduous woodland. Also associated with houses and outbuildings in farming areas and sometimes in more urban situations.

Queens emerge from their overwintering sites from early April and the first workers emerge from late June to early July. Males and females mainly emerge during September. The prey of hornets includes other species of social wasp, honey bees, flies, butterflies, moths (hornets can forage in moonlight) and spiders. Prey are often taken from flowers and the vegetation of trees.

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