European hornet vs Northern giant hornet
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a european hornet from a northern giant hornet, and whether either one bites or stings.
European hornet
Vespa crabro
Northern giant hornet
Vespa mandarinia
≠The key differences
Much larger (queens up to about 50 mm), with a very large orange-yellow head and dark brown and yellow-orange banded abdomen; not established in Europe, and declared eradicated from North America (Washington State) in 2024.
Smaller on average and head is less brightly orange; European hornets have different banding patterns and are native to Europe and introduced in North America.
⚖︎Side by side
| European hornet | Northern giant hornet | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Painful sting | Dangerous sting |
| Size | About 18-25 mm body length (workers); queens 25-35 mm | Workers 25-40 mm long; queens 40-50 mm long |
| Colours | Reddish brown, Yellow, Dark brown | Orange (head), Dark brown / black (thorax and bands), Yellow / pale orange (abdominal bands), Chestnut brown (body) |
| Family | Vespidae | Vespidae |
| Habitat | Woodlands, hedgerows, orchards, farmland; nests in hollow trees, wall cavities, attics, sheds and sometimes underground voids | Forests and forest edges, rural areas; nests in underground cavities, root cavities, tree cavities, or sheltered ground holes |
| Range | Native to Europe and temperate Asia; introduced and established in parts of eastern North America | Native to East Asia and parts of South and Southeast Asia (including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and the Russian Far East). It was detected in Washington State and British Columbia in 2019-2021; after an eradication program it was declared eradicated from the United States in December 2024. |
| Active | Spring through autumn (peak summer activity); active by day and also at night, often attracted to lights | Active spring through autumn (colony peak in summer); diurnal (day-active) |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a european hornet
- Large size (about 18-35 mm) and robust body compared with common yellowjackets
- Reddish-brown head and thorax with yellow-and-brown banded abdomen
- Paper nest often in hollow tree trunks, wall cavities, attics or sheds
- Flight is slower and more lumbering than smaller wasps; visible mandibles and large head
🔍How to spot a northern giant hornet
- Very large size: workers 25-40 mm, queens up to about 50 mm.
- Broad orange to reddish-orange head with large mandibles.
- Abdomen with alternating pale yellow/orange and dark brown/black bands.
- Habit of flying with a powerful, buzzing flight and often seen hunting around hive entrances or tearing prey.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a european hornet and a northern giant hornet?
Much larger (queens up to about 50 mm), with a very large orange-yellow head and dark brown and yellow-orange banded abdomen; not established in Europe, and declared eradicated from North America (Washington State) in 2024. Smaller on average and head is less brightly orange; European hornets have different banding patterns and are native to Europe and introduced in North America.
Is a european hornet or a northern giant hornet more dangerous?
European hornet: Painful sting. Northern giant hornet: Dangerous sting. European hornets can sting and are capable of multiple stings. Stings are very painful and can inject a significant volume of venom.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.