What is the Difference Between Wasp and Hornet?

Wasps and hornets are both members of the Vespidae family, but they have some differences in size, color, and behavior. Here are the key differences between wasps and hornets:

• Size: Hornets are generally larger than wasps, with some species reaching up to 5.5 centimeters in length, while most wasps are smaller than hornets, usually around 1 inch or less in size.
• Color: Wasps often have black and yellow rings, while hornets have black and white rings.
• Body Structure: Hornets have a thicker and more elongated body than wasps, allowing them to fly faster and with more precision. They also have a distinct waist and a broad head that houses their powerful mandibles.
• Wings and Legs: Hornets have a longer and more extensive set of wings than wasps, which allows them to fly faster and with more agility. They also have shorter legs than wasps, which helps them maneuver through tight and enclosed spaces. Wasps have longer legs than hornets, which make them more adept at crawling and climbing.
• Nests: Hornets tend to build large, aerial nests, while wasps can build both aerial paper nests and ground nests.
• Diet and Behavior: Both hornets and wasps are general scavengers that feed on other insects, food left lying around, and decaying fruit. Hornets are known to be very aggressive when their nest is disturbed, while wasps are generally less aggressive.

Comparative Table: Wasp vs Hornet

Here is a table highlighting the differences between wasps and hornets:

While hornets are a type of wasp, they have several distinct characteristics that set them apart from other wasp species. These differences include their size, stinger, body structure, legs, and wings, as well as their behavior and the way they live in larger colonies compared to solitary wasps.