What is the Difference Between Asian Hornet and European Hornet

The Asian hornet and the European hornet are both large wasp species. They have similar body structures, which include large mandibles, strong wings, and segmented bodies. Therefore, many people find it difficult to identify Asian hornets and European hornets.

What is the difference between Asian hornet and European hornet? Asian hornet is smaller and has a darker body with a yellow-orange face and yellow-tipped legs. On the other hand, the European hornet is larger, has a brown body and yellow stripes, and is less harmful to honeybees.

Key Areas Covered

1. Asian Hornet  
     – Facts, Features, and Behaviors 
2. European Hornet
     – Facts, Features, and Behaviors 
3. Similarities Between Asian Hornet and European Hornet
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Asian Hornet and European Hornet
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Asian Hornet and European Hornet
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Asian Hornet, European Hornet

Asian Hornet – Facts, Features, Behavior

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as the yellow-legged hornet, is a species of hornet native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has become a concern as an invasive species in many parts of Europe. It is a threat to local ecosystems, especially bee populations.

The Asian hornet is smaller than the European hornet (Vespa crabro). Queens grow up to 30 mm (1.2 inches), males around 24 mm (0.94 inches), and workers measure about 20 mm (0.79 inches). It has distinct yellow legs, a dark brown or black thorax, and a brown abdomen with yellow bands, except for the fourth segment, which is orange. Its head is black with a yellow face.

Asian hornets build large paper nests, often shaped like a huge egg. They can be over half a meter (20 inches) long. Unlike the European hornet’s nest, which has an exit at the bottom, the Asian hornet’s nest has a side entrance. Colonies can have thousands of homes. The females have powerful stingers that they use to defend their nests and hunt prey.

European Hornet – Facts, Features, Behavior

The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the largest social wasp native to Europe. It is also the only true hornet found in North America. These have C-shaped, deeply indented eyes, reddish-orange wings, and a striped brown and yellow abdomen. Although they have hair on their thorax and abdomen, they are not as hairy as most bees.

European hornets vary in size, with workers averaging around 25 mm (1 inch) long and queens growing up to 35 mm (1.4 inches). They are larger than common wasps like Vespula vulgaris but smaller than the Asian giant hornet. Females are generally larger than males, but there are key differences between them. Females have six abdominal segments and a stinger, which is a modified egg-laying organ (ovipositor), while males have seven abdominal segments but cannot sting. Another difference is in their antennae—males have 13 segments, while females have 12.

Like other hornets, European hornets play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations. However, they can also become a nuisance if they build nests near homes or other human structures.

Similarities Between Asian Hornet and European Hornet

1. Both are wasps from the Vespa genus, belonging to the family Vespidae.
2. They are social insects and live in colonies with a queen, workers, and drones.
3. They can sting multiple times, unlike honeybees, and can be aggressive when their nests are disturbed.
4. Both have similar body structures, including large mandibles, strong wings, and segmented bodies.

Difference Between Asian Hornet and European Hornet

Definition

• Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive hornet species native to Asia, known for its dark body with a yellow-orange face and legs. European Hornet (Vespa crabro) is a large hornet species native to Europe, with a brown and yellow-striped body.

Size

• The Asian hornet is smaller. Queens are around 30 mm (1.2 inches), males 24 mm (0.94 inches), and workers 20 mm (0.79 inches). In contrast, the European hornet is larger, with queens growing up to 35 mm (1.4 inches) and workers averaging around 25 mm (1 inch).

Color and Appearance

• The Asian hornet has a dark brown or black thorax, yellow legs, a black head with a yellow face, and an orange-banded abdomen. The European hornet, on the other hand, has reddish-brown wings, a brown and yellow striped abdomen, and C-shaped indented eyes.

Behavior

• The Asian hornet is more aggressive and is a major threat to bee populations. In contrast, the European hornet is less aggressive and does not harm bees as much unless provoked.

Native and Invasive Regions

• The Asian hornet is native to Southeast Asia but has become an invasive species in Europe and the UK. The European hornet, however, is native to Europe and has also been introduced to North America.

FAQ: Asian Hornet and European Hornet

1. How can you tell an Asian hornet?

You can recognize an Asian hornet by its dark brown or black body, a yellow-orange face, and yellow tips on its legs. It is smaller than the European hornet and usually has an orange band on its abdomen.

2. How to identify a European hornet?

You can identify a European hornet by its brown body with yellow stripes, a reddish-brown head, and brown legs. It is larger than the Asian hornet.

3. How to tell the difference between hornets?

You can tell the difference between hornets by looking at their color and size. The Asian hornet has a dark brown or black body, a yellow-orange face, and yellow tips on its legs. It is smaller than the European hornet. In contrast, the European hornet has a brown body with yellow stripes, a reddish-brown head, and brown legs.

4. What is the deadliest hornet in the world?

The Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is considered the deadliest hornet in the world. It is large, aggressive, and can deliver a painful sting that releases venom. Although its stings are not usually fatal to healthy adults, they can be dangerous if a person is allergic or stung multiple times.

Reference: 

1. “Asian Hornet.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “European Hornet.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Credit: 

1. “Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)” By Charles J. Sharp – Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “European-Hornet” By Philip Cohen – Flickr: European Hornet (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia