Here in the mountains fermenting persimmons have drawn many butterflies as well as European Hornets, Vespa crabro. These large insects have been in North America since the 1800s. When I say “large” I mean 1.25” – LARGE. They dine on insects such as bees, flies, and grasshoppers. As summer begins to wind down and the populations of their insect meals dwindle they concentrate on sweets such as rotting fruit and hummingbird syrup. And they aren’t happy to share – often chasing the hummingbirds away.
6 responses to “European Hornet”
Brenda, Thank you, thank you. I put out in my mulch pile some fuzzy jelly that had been lost in the back of my fridge. I covered it well with kitchen waste, weeds. leaves, etc, but the next day these big buys were there, only a few initially, but by day three I had a formidable crowd. I went through all of my insect books with no success. They weren’t aggressive exactly, but as you said, they didn’t want to share and my basil needed harvesting right next door. I tried to cut slowly and quietly and was promptly warned off. I think it was about a week before they left and I made pesto that day. 🙂
Nancy! So glad I helped you with your mystery! They certainly do look like critters that you don’t want to mess with, don’t you think! My poor hummingbirds! I moved their feeders into a more shady location and that seemed to help a bit while the hummers were around, and now they are on their way south. The European Hornets (with the exception of the queen) will not live through the winter, so I’m hoping that next year’s hornets will find other sources of food and not seek out yours or mine!
Your pesto must have been wonderful!
Bren
Is it also called an Asian Wasp? They are on an oak tree that is sapping. Got stunk by one and it hurt for days. Thanks.
Hi Barry! This insect, European Hornet (Vespa crabro), is not an Asian Hornet. I can’t find any reference to an Asian Wasp. I do find references to an Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina), but can find no credible sources saying that they are here in North America.
So sorry to hear that you’ve been stung. Hoping I can avoid that!
Bren
I haven’t seen any of those around my hummingbird feeder but I’ll be watching. They certainly are impressive looking. 😀
Hi LaVonne!
This is the first year that I’ve seen them hanging around to such an extent. I’m hoping next summer they will not be a problem again. I’m hoping for your sake that they don’t show up to become a problem for your little hummers!
Bren