Vespa crabro
European hornet
It is large social wasp. The female measures 25 to 35 mm long, males and workers are smaller. It overwinters as adult. The females emerge from hibernation during the spring, and search for a suitable location in which to start a new nest. Hornet workers capture insects, bringing them back to the nest to feed the brood. Hornets make holes in ripe fruits to obtain sugar. Bark on stems or branches of deciduous trees is chewed by adults to feed on or to build their paper nest. Damage is more dangerous on young trees.
A large wasp-like Hymenoptera perched on a twig. Flat or longitudinal wounds on the bark.
Tree Species: Beech, Cherry, Pear, Apple Tree, Rowan, Whitebeam, Ash, Maple, Fir, Lime
Part of a plant- attacked: Branch
Pest significance: Less harmful
Pest Category: Insects
Invasive Species: No
Present in EU: Yes
Pest group: Insect
Depth of damages: Bark, Under bark only
The extent of damage: Whole trunk
Prevalence in Europe: Very common
Damaged products: Firewood
Roundwood size: Branches and twigs
Wood discoloration: No
Pest subcategory: Wood-boring insect
Similar pests
Urocerus gigas
Sirex noctilio
