Hornet Identification
The UK is only native to one hornet species, the European Hornet. It is uncommon to see a hornet and they are not associated with disrupting picnics and barbecues.
European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
Appearance:
C-shaped eyes.- Red-brown thorax with no markings and short hairs.
- Yellow-orange abdomen with brown stripes.
Adult Size: workers are up to 30mm; queens are up to 40mm.
Colony Size: up to 300 worker hornets.
Common Nest Sites: holes in trees, bushes, roof spaces and barns.
Diet: insects and larvae secretion.
