Hornets in Illinois create both fascination and fear among residents.
These social insects build impressive nests and play important roles in our ecosystem.
The European Hornet is the only true hornet species found in Illinois, first arriving in the United States in 1840, while other stinging insects like bald-faced hornets are actually types of wasps.
These remarkable insects build intricate nests with papery coverings made from chewed wood mixed with saliva.
The colony structure includes queens, workers, and males, each with specific roles in maintaining their community.
Paper wasps and yellowjackets are often mistaken for hornets, but they have distinct characteristics and behaviors that set them apart.
While their stings can cause concern, especially for those with allergic reactions, hornets help control pest populations by feeding on smaller insects.
Their complex social structure and nest-building abilities make them fascinating creatures to study from a safe distance.
Types of Hornets in Illinois
Illinois has two main hornet species that build large paper nests and form colonies.
Both species are skilled predators that hunt other insects and can deliver painful stings when defending their nests.
1. European Hornet
The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) is the only true hornet species in Illinois.
These large hornets measure 1-1.5 inches long with reddish-brown and yellow coloring. They first arrived in New York in 1840 and spread across the USA.
European hornets build paper nests in hollow trees, wall voids, and attics. Unlike most wasps, they remain active at night and are attracted to lights.
The colonies contain hundreds of workers that hunt various insects. They also feed on tree sap and ripe fruit. While their sting is painful, they rarely attack unless their nest is threatened.
2. Bald-Faced Hornet
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) have distinctive black bodies with white markings on their face and abdomen.
Despite the name, they are actually a species of yellowjacket wasp.
These hornets create large, gray, paper nests that hang from tree branches or building overhangs. A single nest can grow up to a foot wide by late summer.
Queens start new colonies each spring. Workers feed the larvae chewed-up insects throughout the summer.
Their painful sting ranks as a 2 on the Schmidt Pain Index, and they aggressively defend their nests from threats.
