Common wasp vs Asian hornet
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common wasp from an Asian hornet, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Asian hornet
Vespa velutina
≠The key differences
Smaller and more distinctly black-and-yellow striped; lack the velvety dark thorax and orange abdomen band of V. velutina.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common wasp | Asian hornet | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Venomous sting |
| Size | Workers 10-16 mm; queens up to 20 mm | Workers 20-25 mm, queens up to 30 mm |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, Brown (eyes/legs) | Dark brown / black, Orange / reddish, Yellow, Brown wings |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Habitat | Woodland edges, gardens, parks, urban areas; nests in cavities, attics, wall voids, under sheds, compost heaps or underground | Woodland edges, gardens, parks; nests in trees, shrubs, roof spaces and cavities near human habitation |
| Range | Native across much of Europe and temperate Asia; introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and other regions | Native to Asia (India, China, Southeast Asia). Invasive in parts of Europe (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, UK and others), South Korea, Japan (introduced populations vary by region) and reported elsewhere via accidental transport. |
| Active | Spring to autumn; most active in summer and late summer afternoons | Spring to autumn; workers most numerous in summer and early autumn; active during daylight hours |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a common wasp
- Yellow and black banded abdomen with compact, stocky body and elbowed antennae
- Size: workers about 10-16 mm; queens noticeably larger
- Facial and abdominal pattern differences from similar species (see similar species)
🔍How to spot an Asian hornet
- Workers 20-25 mm long, dark velvety thorax and mostly dark abdomen with a thin yellow band at the front and one broad yellow-orange band near the rear.
- Legs noticeably yellowish (visible in flight) — 'yellow-legged hornet'.
- Smaller and darker than the European hornet (Vespa crabro); face and lower abdomen have orange hues.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common wasp and an Asian hornet?
Smaller and more distinctly black-and-yellow striped; lack the velvety dark thorax and orange abdomen band of V. velutina.
Is a common wasp or an Asian hornet more dangerous?
Common wasp: Painful sting. Asian hornet: Venomous sting. Workers can deliver painful stings repeatedly; stings cause local pain, swelling and redness. Stings are painful and can cause local swelling.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.