European Hornet

6205 Please help identify, its about 2 inch long

Number 6205 – This is a European hornet (Vespa crabro; Hymenoptera: Vespidae). This introduced species is the only true hornet in North America as well as being the largest member of its family (Vespidae) here. It has been my personal experience that these are less aggressive than our native yellow jackets or bald-faced ‘hornets’, but care should still be taken when near their nest. Click here for more information.