About Lesser Banded Hornet
A medium-sized hornet with a dark body and bright orange-yellow abdominal bands. It builds large aerial nests in trees and on buildings throughout tropical Asia.
Did You Know?
Its aerial nests can grow to the size of a basketball and house several thousand workers.
How to Identify Lesser Banded Hornet
Lesser Banded Hornet (Vespa affinis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae. Adults typically measure 22-30 mm.
Lesser Banded Hornet Habitat
Lesser Banded Hornet is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lesser Banded Hornet Diet and Feeding
Lesser Banded Hornet feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Lesser Banded Hornet Found?
Lesser Banded Hornet can be found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lesser Banded Hornet can be found
Is Lesser Banded Hornet Dangerous?
Lesser Banded Hornet belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Lesser Banded Hornet Role in Nature
Lesser Banded Hornet is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Banded Hornet
What does Lesser Banded Hornet look like?
The Lesser Banded Hornet typically measures 22-30 mm.
Where is Lesser Banded Hornet found?
The Lesser Banded Hornet is found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Lesser Banded Hornet eat?
The Lesser Banded Hornet feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Lesser Banded Hornet dangerous to humans?
The Lesser Banded Hornet belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Lesser Banded Hornet?
Its aerial nests can grow to the size of a basketball and house several thousand workers.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lesser Banded Hornet (Vespa affinis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lesser-banded-hornet
MLA:
"Lesser Banded Hornet." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lesser-banded-hornet.