What is a Wasp?

Wasps are known for their vibrant yellow and black rings, as well as for their brown wings. However, scientists largely believe that there are more than a hundred thousand different species of this insect, with new ones being discovered practically every year.

Perhaps the most recognizable thing about wasps is their nests, which at first glance, seem to be made out of crumpled paper. In reality, though, these are small pieces of wood that the wasps chew up before using the spat-out pulp to form the sturdy walls of their homes.

When looking at hornets and wasps it’s important to distinguish that wasps are carnivores. Which means that their stingers are capable of killing other creatures. More than that, though, these insects lay eggs inside their prey. Fortunately, their diet does not include human beings.

Still, though, wasps have been known to sting people, and unlike bees, they can sting more than once. Because of this, try not to disturb their nests the next time you see one. Wasps usually feed on fruit, nectar and sugar. However, they can also eat other insects, like caterpillars and aphids.

What is a Hornet?

Hornets are actually a subset of wasps and are the largest of the social
wasps, which is a category that also includes yellow jackets and paper
wasps. Despite the similar appearance of hornets and wasps, hornets
are usually rounder and fatter. Which means that they’re much larger
than the common wasp.

Additionally, they are typically brown with yellow and orange stripes.
While hornets are known to nest the same way as wasps do, they’re
generally less aggressive, especially if left unprovoked.

However, humans will find their stings more painful than the usual
wasp’s, primarily because of the chemicals that hornet venom consists
of. Hornets mainly feed on insects like flies and bees, although they’re
also known to eat leaves and tree sap to supplement their diet.