Wasps and hornets are often confused, as both are stinging insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. Their shared general appearance often causes people to group them together under the umbrella term “wasp.” Distinguishing them is complicated because common names, such as “Yellowjacket” or “Bald-faced Hornet,” do not always align with their strict biological classification. Understanding the differences requires examining their taxonomy, morphology, and behavior.
Hornets Are a Type of Wasp
The fundamental biological distinction is taxonomic: all hornets are classified as a specific type of wasp, but the reverse is not true. True hornets belong exclusively to the genus Vespa, a small group within the larger wasp family Vespidae. This family also includes common wasps like Yellowjackets and Paper Wasps. The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) is a true hornet and is the most common species found across North America and Europe.
Taxonomic clarity is often obscured because many insects commonly called “hornets” are actually types of Yellowjackets. For instance, the Bald-faced Hornet is not a true hornet but a large species of Yellowjacket (Dolichovespula). The most accurate approach to identification is determining if the insect is a member of the Vespa genus, which designates it as a true hornet.
Visual Identification Clues
One immediate indicator of a hornet is its body size and general build, as they are typically the largest social wasps. True hornets, such as the European Hornet, can measure over one inch in length, making them noticeably larger than the typical Yellowjacket. Yellowjackets average only half to three-quarters of an inch long. Hornets possess a more robust and stocky torso, giving them a heavier, bulkier appearance.
Differences also appear in coloration and body shape, particularly the area connecting the thorax and abdomen, often called the “wasp waist.” Yellowjackets are characterized by bright, contrasting yellow and black markings and a very thin, defined waist. True hornets often exhibit more muted colors, favoring patterns of reddish-brown, dark brown, and yellow. Hornets also have a broader head and a less dramatic constriction at the waist, giving their body a more integrated appearance.
Nesting Habits and Behavior
Nesting habits offer a practical way to differentiate between the two insects. Hornets construct large, fully enclosed paper nests, often spherical or football-shaped, made from wood fiber mixed with saliva. True hornets, especially the European Hornet, frequently build nests in sheltered cavities like hollow trees, wall voids, or attics.
In contrast, Yellowjackets often prefer to build their multi-tiered paper nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows or other hidden cavities. Some species construct aerial nests under eaves or in dense shrubs. Behavioral patterns also diverge significantly, particularly concerning diet and aggression later in the season.
Hornets are generally more predatory, focusing on hunting large insects like grasshoppers and flies to feed their larvae. Yellowjackets become notable scavengers, especially in late summer and fall when their colonies require more carbohydrates. This shift leads them to frequent human food sources like picnics, trash cans, and sugary drinks, resulting in increased interaction with people. While both species defend their nest if disturbed, Yellowjackets are considered more aggressive scavengers.