Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)

*The Bald-faced Hornet is not a true hornet, but rather is closely related to the genus Vespula (yellowjackets).

Habits:

Common to the meadows, wooded and urban areas, the Bald-faced Hornet will typically only forage for live prey but occasionally will scavenge for sugars. This species primarily preys on flies and other yellowjackets for protein. Colonies last one year, with new queens overwintering to make new nests the following spring.

Nests:

Bald-faced Hornets build nests at least the size of a basketball, and sometimes larger. Nests are grayish and round or pear-shaped, typically in higher aerial locations 10-12 feet high, such as in trees, shrubs, or on buildings. Bald-faced Hornet nests are much stronger, flexible, and resistant to water damage than the nests of other species. The thick paper of the nest conceals two to six horizontally arranged combs. Peak nest populations are between 100 and 400 workers.

Nature toward humans:

Bald-faced Hornets can be very aggressive when aggravated or when the nest is disturbed, presenting a significant stinging hazard.

European Hornet

Paper Wasps

Yellowjackets