The
Hornet is Britains largest wasp, even the smallest workers are bigger
than the queens of most other species, and the hornet queens are more
than an inch long. Apart from their size, they are easily identified
by their brown and orangy - yellow markings, as opposed to the normal
black and yellow of other wasps. Hornets are quite rare in the British
Isles, being mainly confined to well wooded areas of Southern England.
Like common wasps, they build their nests out of paper in hollow trees,
chimneys, wall cavities,banks etc. Sometimes they use the same site
year after year (although a completely new colony). Because of their
size hornets make a louder hum than wasps, but in spite of their reputation,
they are relatively docile and will rarely sting, but if they do you
will know about it...!
Below
is a picture showing a hornet's nest built of paper combs, formed from
chewed up wood or plant fibres