Hornet Adventure - Vespa crabro Near Ruraldale, Upshur County, West Virginia, USA September 3, 2005
This is the first year I have seen the European Hornet near my home. I was surprised to find them attrated to lights.
The first time I saw them, there were a number of them showing special attention to this twig. Are these scale insects? I assume they are producing honeydew that attracts the hornets. Not only the European Hornets but also the Bald-faced Hornet and at least one other kind of wasp were also visiting these twigs.
Every now and then the European hornets would fly at and grab one of the other hornets or wasps. They seemed to fly or glide to the ground with them. I wasn't able to locate them after they landed, but I assume it didn't go well for those who were grabbed.
Wonder if the European Hornets are recently arrived in my area, or if I just missed them before. Wonder if they will eat all or run off all the native Bald-faced Hornets?
Anyone who can comment on the behaviors or the alleged scale insects, please do.
Contributed by Stephen_WV on 5 November, 2005 - 6:18am |