THE INSECTLIBRARY FIELD GUIDES
Bald-Faced HornetIdentification, facts & practical guidance
The bald-faced hornet is Dolichovespula maculata, a social wasp with pale facial markings. It is not the European hornet, Vespa crabro.
Compiled by the InsectLibrary Team · Updated · Editorial policy
Identification and lookalikes
Workers are mainly black with ivory-white markings on the face and abdomen. The enclosed gray paper nest is often suspended above ground. An open umbrella-shaped comb suggests a paper wasp instead.
Nest defense and stings
Workers can defend the colony if the nest is disturbed. A wasp visiting a flower is a different situation from activity around an occupied nest. Size estimates from European hornets should not be used for this species.
What to do next
Keep people away from an active nest near paths or buildings. Use a qualified professional for a hazardous nest location rather than attempting to knock it down. Seek emergency help for serious allergic symptoms after a sting.
Bald-Faced Hornet: species profile
Explore the species profile covered by this guide, with recorded names and available photos.
Sources and further reading
- extension.psu.edu - baldfaced hornethttps://extension.psu.edu/baldfaced-hornet
References support the subject discussed here; they do not certify every imported directory record. Regional sources describe their own locations. Read our source and correction policy.