What type of hornet? - Ask Extension
What type of hornet is this? I have seen numerous ones this spring, and I have never seen this kind in our area before. Is there any reason for concer...
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What type of hornet? #833066
Asked May 31, 2023, 8:20 PM EDT
What type of hornet is this? I have seen numerous ones this spring, and I have never seen this kind in our area before. Is there any reason for concern ?
Cecil County Maryland
Expert Response
We think that what you have there is not a type of hornet but
appears to be a Southern Yellowjacket queen, which has slightly different patterning/coloration than the worker caste for that species. The queens are the only ones that winter over and they are substantially larger than the workers most are familiar with.
The queens are not often seen except in the early season, as they must begin new nests and raise the workers.
The highlighted link above will allow you to see photos for comparison via the Maryland Biodiversity Project website.
Christine
appears to be a Southern Yellowjacket queen, which has slightly different patterning/coloration than the worker caste for that species. The queens are the only ones that winter over and they are substantially larger than the workers most are familiar with.
The queens are not often seen except in the early season, as they must begin new nests and raise the workers.
The highlighted link above will allow you to see photos for comparison via the Maryland Biodiversity Project website.
Christine
