European Hornet

Vespa crabro

Common & widespread in Britain.

Flies from May-September & into October.

This is significantly larger than most Common Wasps (such as Vespula vulgaris), but smaller than the Asian Giant Hornet.

Females are typically larger than Males in both size and mass. However, male abdomens have seven segments, whereas female abdomens have six.

There is a cerebral ganglion, two thoracic ganglia, and five abdominal ganglia.

Only Females possess a stinger, it is a modified egg laying device (ovipositor): Males cannot sting.

The antennae of males are slightly longer, with 13 segments compared to twelve segments in Females.