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Hornet Insect Identification: Japanese, Giant Hornet, Bald Faced, European, Hornet Stings And Nests

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Published: November 29, 2006

Hornet insect identification can be difficult with all the stingers flying around out there. But a few different hornets can easily be spotted such as the European hornet, the bald faced hornet and the Japanese hornet.

The European hornet is classified scientifically as Vespa crabro. This type of hornet is the main type found in the United States and was brought over from Europe around 1850. Sometimes referred to as the giant hornet, the European hornet can grow to a length of 2.5 centimeters. The reddish-orange stinger can easily be identified by the stripes of brown and yellow on the thorax and abdomen.

The bald faced hornet is actually more closely related to wasps, which is why it is scientifically classified as Dolichovespula maculata. The term Vespa identifies hornets. Bald faced hornet are black and white and also quite large, growing up to 3 centimeters in length. Their name comes from the white markings on their face, which look like bald spots amid the black.

Japanese hornets, like the European hornet, are sometimes referred to as giant hornets. This is because they are one of the largest known hornets, managing a length of 27-45 millimeters. The queen can actually grow up to 5 centimeters long, which can be compared with the size of a child's thumb. The Japanese hornet is easily identified by its wide orange head and dark brown compounded eyes. The body consists of alternating brown and yellow segments and the stinger is around a quarter of an inch long.

Hornet stings can be quite painful and usually cause swelling even to those who are not allergic. The easiest way to get stung is to be around hornet’s nests. A hornet sting is considered venomous and, therefore, should be treated quickly to help reduce any discomfort. Top priority is to remove the stinger. Many try using tweezers, but this may cause more irritation in the end. According to eHow.com, use a dull butter knife instead. Brush in the opposite direction of the stinger entry point. After the stinger is out, the pain and swelling can be managed somewhat by applying cold compress for around ten to fifteen minutes. A topical antihistamine, anesthetic and hyrdocortisone cream can be used to reduce itchiness, pain and inflammation. Myths and lore claim that putting mud on the affected site will diminish the discomfort, but scientific studies have failed to prove this to be true. One commenter on eHow.com claims that wetting a tea bag and placing over the stung area (after removing the stinger) immediately lessens the pain.

If someone who is allergic to hornet stings is stung, medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent anaphylactic shock or even death from occurring. If one is known to have allergies towards bees, it does not necessarily mean they will be allergic to hornets.




The Asian Giant Hornet. 2006. 28 November 2006. www.vespa-crabro.de
Bald-Faced Hornet. Harvard University. 2006. 28 November 2006. www.uos.harvard.edu/ehs/pes_hornets.shtml.
Hornet. Everything About. 2006. 28 November 2006. www.everythingabout.net.
Hornet. Wikipedia. 2006. 28 November 2006. en.wikipedia.org.
How to Treat a Wasp or Hornet Sting. eHow. 2006. 28 November 2006. www.ehow.com
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