European hornet, Vespa crabro
European hornet, Vespa crabro (submitted by NaturePlus user Paul)
Vespa crabro is Europe's largest social wasp reaching 30-40mm in length with a chestnut-brown and yellow colouration. Despite its fearsome reputation, the hornet is less aggressive than the common wasp and is unlikely to sting unless its nest is threatened or it is touched. It nests in hollow trees as well as other cavities and can be seen mainly in the south of the UK from May to September in gardens, parks and woods.
