Bald-Faced Hornets

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Pest Profile Photo credit: By PiccoloNamek (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) from Wikimedia Commons Common Name: Bald Faced Hornet Scientific Name: Dolichovespula maculata Order and Family: Hymenoptera: Vespidae Size and Appearance: Bald faced hornets range in size from about 15 to over 20 mm in length with queens being up to 25% larger. They receive their common name from the unique white pattern present on the black face of the adults. The females also feature 2 stripes on the thorax and on the last 3 abdominal segments as well. The rest of the body tends to be a dull grey in color. Length (mm) Appearance Egg 1 mm 1 egg is laid per gallery cell. Larval and pupal stages take place entirely in gallery. Nests are aerial and usually contain 2,000 cells. Larva/Nymph 10-22 in length depending on White, cylindrical. Remain in instar and species cells in paper nests through pupation. Adult 15-20+ mm long Gray to black in overall coloration with white markings on face. Females have white stripes on thorax and abdominal segments. Pupa (if applicable) 10-25 mm long Light colored, made of final larval skin. Formed inside of gallery cell. Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Chewing Host /s: Dolichovespula maculata consume various arthropods, many of which are pests. They are considered beneficial for this reason. Description of Damage (larvae and adults): Though they do a positive service by consuming pest species, if a nest is nearby a home, their aggressive nature leads to stings for humans and pets. Those with serious allergic reactions most certainly are affected by presence of hornets. It is advised to remove the nest during dusk hours while wearing a full beekeeping suit for protection. References: Smith, E.H. and Whitman, R.C. (2007). Bees, Hornets, and Wasps-Bald-Faced Hornets. In NPMA Field Guide of Structural Pests. (2.6.1). National Pest Management Association International. Jacobs, S. (February 2015). Baldfaced Hornet. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Entomology. Retrieved on August 1st, 2016 from: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/baldfaced- hornet .

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