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Shropshire Invertebrates Group - Invertebrates of Shropshire
Hornet Vespa crabro
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The hornet Vespa crabro
needs little introduction, as our largest social wasp it undeservedly enjoys
a fearsome reputation! In fact, Hornets are surprisingly docile insects.
Whilst we would not recommend approaching hornets nests closely, in practice
hornets pay little attention to humans and will only attack if their nest is
interfered with. This queen hornet was approached very closely and
photographed, before it flew off, making no attempt to intimidate the
photographer. Below the Wrekin, June 2005. Hornets have always been uncommon in Shropshire, the Wyre Forest being a well known locality for them. However in recent years this spectacular insect appears to have increased in the county. This increase is probably in response to climate change. There are recent records from Cound, Attingham Park, The Wrekin and Haughmond Hill. |