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| European Hornet | |
|---|---|
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| Female European Hornet | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Genus: | Vespa |
| Species: | V. crabro |
| Binomial name | |
| Vespa crabro L., 1761 | |
- Also see hornet
The European hornet Vespa crabro is the largest European eusocial wasp. It is known commonly (and correctly) as a hornet. This is not to be confused with the colloquially use of hornet (although scientifically incorrect) for a Bald-faced hornet, or other aerial yellowjacket. The female queen measures 25 to 35 mm long, males and workers are smaller. In males, the antennae have 13 segments, while females have 12. The male abdomen is composed of 7 visible segments, while that of the female has 6; females are equipped with an ovipositor.
Eyes are deeply indented, shaped like a C.
Wings are reddish-orange, the petiolated abdomen is orange striped with brown.
There are several geographic color forms of the Hornet found worldwide:
- Vespa crabro crabro Linnaeus, 1758
- Vespa crabro vexator Harris, 1776
- Vespa crabro germana Christ, 1791
- Vespa crabro crabroniformis Smith, 1852
- Vespa crabro borealis Radoszkowski, 1863
- Vespa crabro oberthuri du Buysson, 1902
- Vespa crabro flavofasciata Cameron, 1903
- Vespa crabro altaica Pérez, 1910
- Vespa crabro caspica Pérez, 1910
- Vespa crabro chinensis Birula, 1925
Hornets belong to the order or group Hymenoptera.
External links
European hornet
Category: