Georgia is home to a wide variety of insects, including several different species of hornets.
These stinging insects can be fascinating and dangerous, and it’s essential to understand Georgia’s different types of hornets.
This article will explore the common types of hornets in Georgia and provide helpful information about their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors.
1. Bald-faced Hornet
The bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata), the white-faced Hornet, is a large and aggressive species commonly found in Georgia.
These types of hornets in Georgia are easily recognizable by their black-and-white markings and football-shaped nests, which are made of paper and located in trees or other high places.
Bald-faced hornets are highly territorial and aggressively defend their nests if threatened.
They are known for their painful stings, which can cause severe reactions in some individuals.
Bald-faced hornets feed on insects, including flies, caterpillars, and spiders, and are important predators in many ecosystems.
2. European Hornet
The European Hornet (Vespa Crabro) is a relatively large species introduced to the United States in the 1800s.
These hornets are easily identified by their reddish-brown coloration and large size, reaching up to 1.5 inches in length.
European hornets are social insects living in large colonies, typically hollow trees or other sheltered locations.
They are not as aggressive as some other species of hornets, but they will defend their nests if threatened.
These types of hornets in Georgia feed on insects, including bees, flies, and caterpillars, and are important predators in many ecosystems.
3. Paper Wasp
Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) are a common type of Hornet found throughout Georgia.
These hornets in Georgia are easily identified by their thin, elongated bodies and paper-like nests, typically found in trees, bushes, or other sheltered locations.
Paper wasps are not as aggressive as some other species of hornets, but they will defend their nests if threatened.
Their stings are painful and can cause severe reactions in some individuals.
Paper wasps feed on various insects, including caterpillars, flies, and spiders, and are important predators in many ecosystems.
4. Yellow Jacket
Yellow jackets (Vespula spp.) are a type of Hornet found throughout Georgia.
These hornets are easily identified by their yellow and black markings and their smooth, shiny bodies.
Yellow jackets are highly aggressive and will defend their nests aggressively if threatened.
They are known for their painful stings, which can cause severe reactions in some individuals.
These types of hornets in Georgia feed on insects, including flies, caterpillars, and spiders, and are important predators in many ecosystems.
5. Cicada Killer Wasp
The cicada killer wasp (Sphecius Speciosus) is a large, intimidating hornet species in Georgia.
These types of hornets in Georgia are easily identified by their size, which can reach up to 2 inches long, and their metallic black and yellow coloration.
Despite their large size and intimidating appearance, cicada killer wasps are not aggressive toward humans and are generally considered beneficial insects.
They feed on cicadas and other giant insects and are important predators in many ecosystems.
6. Asian Giant Hornet
The Asian giant Hornet (Vespa Mandarinia), also known as the “murder hornet,” is a large and dangerous species recently found in the United States, including Georgia.
These hornets are easily identified by their large size, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches long.
The Asian Giant Hornet is The world’s largest, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches long.
The hornets have a yellow to orange head, a black thorax, and a black and orange/yellow striped abdomen
7. Red Wasp
Red wasps (Polistes Carolina), also known as Carolina wasps, are a common type of Hornet found throughout Georgia.
They are easily identified by their reddish-brown coloration and their long, slender bodies.
These types of hornets in Georgia are social insects living in small colonies, typically in nests of paper attached to trees or other structures.
They are not as aggressive as some other species of hornets, but they will defend their nests if threatened.
Red wasps’ stings are painful and can cause severe reactions in some individuals. They feed on insects, including caterpillars, flies, and spiders.
8. Eastern Cicada Killer
The eastern cicada killer (Sphecius Speciosus) is a large hornet species in Georgia.
They are easily identified by their large size, which can reach up to 2 inches long, and their black and yellow coloration.
Despite their large size, eastern cicada killers are not aggressive toward humans and are generally considered beneficial insects.
They feed on cicadas and other giant insects and are important predators in many ecosystems.
However, their presence can be alarming to some people, as they often create large holes in the ground as nests.
9. Black Hornet
The black Hornet (Vespa Hybowskii) is a relatively rare species in Georgia and other southeastern United States.
They are easily identified by their black coloration and large size, reaching up to 1.5 inches in length.
These types of hornets in Georgia are social insects living in colonies, typically in nests of paper attached to trees or other structures.
They are not as aggressive as some other species of hornets, but they will defend their nests if threatened.
Their stings are painful and can cause severe reactions in some individuals. Black hornets feed on insects, including bees, flies, and caterpillars.
10. Southern Yellow Jacket
The southern yellow jacket (Vespula Squamosa) is a hornet found throughout Georgia and other southeastern United States.
They are easily identified by their yellow and black markings and their smooth, shiny bodies.
Southern yellow jackets are extremely aggressive and defend their nests aggressively if threatened.
They are known for their painful stings, which can cause severe reactions in some individuals.
Southern yellow jackets feed on insects, including flies, caterpillars, and spiders, and are important predators in many ecosystems.
