European Hornet (Vespa crabro)

The European Hornet features brown and yellow stripes and can grow up to 3.5 cm, making it the largest wasp species in Europe. 

Despite its size, the European Hornet is relatively docile unless an intruder threatens its nest. Like other wasps, its nest is made from chewed wood pulp and is often located in hollow trees or concealed in wall cavities. 

European Hornets eat beetles, butterflies, honey bees, grasshoppers, yellow jackets, tree sap, fruits, and honeydew. During the winter, the wasp nest dies, and only the queens survive to establish new colonies in spring.