About Yellow-legged Hornet
An invasive Asian hornet with a dark body and yellow leg tips now spreading rapidly across Europe. It is a major predator of honeybees near hive entrances.
Did You Know?
Since arriving in France in 2004 in a shipment of pottery, it has spread to most of Western Europe.
How to Identify Yellow-legged Hornet
Yellow-legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Vespidae. Adults typically measure 20-30 mm.
Yellow-legged Hornet Habitat
Yellow-legged Hornet is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Yellow-legged Hornet Diet and Feeding
Yellow-legged Hornet is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.
Where Is Yellow-legged Hornet Found?
Yellow-legged Hornet can be found in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Yellow-legged Hornet can be found
Is Yellow-legged Hornet Dangerous?
Yellow-legged 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.
Yellow-legged Hornet Role in Nature
Yellow-legged Hornet serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow-legged Hornet
What does Yellow-legged Hornet look like?
The Yellow-legged Hornet typically measures 20-30 mm.
Where is Yellow-legged Hornet found?
The Yellow-legged Hornet is found in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does Yellow-legged Hornet eat?
The Yellow-legged Hornet is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Yellow-legged Hornet dangerous to humans?
The Yellow-legged 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 Yellow-legged Hornet?
Since arriving in France in 2004 in a shipment of pottery, it has spread to most of Western Europe.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Yellow-legged Hornet (Vespa velutina). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/yellow-legged-hornet
MLA:
"Yellow-legged Hornet." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/yellow-legged-hornet.