Hornets belong to the genus Vespa, a group of large wasps distinguished from yellowjackets by their size and head shape. There are approximately 22 recognized species worldwide. While all hornets are substantial insects, their physical dimensions vary significantly depending on the species and the individual’s role within the colony. The largest individuals are typically the queens, which represent the maximum size a hornet can attain.
The Largest Hornet Species in the World
The largest known hornet species is the Asian Giant Hornet, scientifically named Vespa mandarinia. Native to temperate and tropical East Asia, including regions of China, Japan, and the Russian Far East, this species possesses the most imposing dimensions. Queens of Vespa mandarinia frequently exceed 45 millimeters (1.8 inches) in body length. Individual queens have been recorded reaching up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) from the head to the tip of the abdomen. Worker hornets are slightly smaller, typically measuring between 3.5 and 4.0 centimeters. The insect is recognizable by its large, distinctive light orange head, which contrasts with its dark thorax and striped abdomen.
Size Comparison: Common Hornets vs. Giants
To put the Asian Giant Hornet’s size into perspective, it is useful to compare it to species more commonly encountered by people in other parts of the world. The European Hornet, Vespa crabro, is the only true hornet species established in North America and much of Europe. Queens of Vespa crabro can reach up to 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) in length, which is already a considerable size for a wasp.
The workers of the European Hornet are substantially smaller, averaging around 25 millimeters, or about one inch long. This means that a large worker of the largest species, Vespa mandarinia, is still almost 60 percent larger than an average worker of the European Hornet. People in North America often confuse the Bald-faced Hornet, Dolichovespula maculata, with a true hornet, but this black-and-white insect is actually a type of yellowjacket.
Measuring Hornet Size: Length and Wingspan
Entomologists primarily use body length to quantify the size of a hornet, measuring the distance from the head to the tip of the abdomen. This metric provides a consistent measurement of the insect’s mass. However, the perceived size of a hornet is often exaggerated by its wingspan.
The wingspan is measured across the insect’s fully extended wings, and for the largest species, this measurement is significantly greater than the body length. For a queen Vespa mandarinia, the body may be 5 centimeters long, but its wingspan can reach up to 7.6 centimeters (3 inches). This expansive wingspan contributes to the insect’s intimidating appearance as it flies.