Yellow Hornet vs Cicada Killer Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Yellow Hornet | Cicada Killer Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vespa simillima | Sphecius speciosus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Vespidae | Crabronidae |
| Size | 21-28 mm | 30-50 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | East Asia, Japan/Korea | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Yellow Hornet
Known as 'ke-buchi-suzumebachi' in Japanese, a common hornet in Japan and Korea. Builds large paper nests in trees and under eaves. Less aggressive than the giant hornet but still capable of painful stings.
Did You Know?
This species is responsible for more wasp stings in Japan than any other species because it frequently builds nests near human habitations.
Cicada Killer Wasp
A large solitary wasp that provisions its burrow with paralyzed cicadas.
Did You Know?
A female can carry a cicada weighing more than herself in flight back to her burrow.