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Bald-Faced Hornet

Bald-Faced Hornet

Dolichovespula maculata

A species of Aerial yellowjackets, Also known as White-Faced Hornet, Bald Hornet, White-faced yellowjacket, Bald-faced blackjacket

The bald-Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) creates large, social colonies inside of basketball-sized nests. In some situations, inter-nest struggles can occur. This can be due to differing genetic interests. Workers will be unable to mate, and it is theorized that the workers may engage in matricide in the worst-case scenarios.

Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Is the Bald-Faced Hornet Deadly?
Deadly
Does the Bald-Faced Hornet sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Bald-Faced Hornet
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Attributes of Bald-Faced Hornet
Colors
Black
White
Habitat
forested area; vegetation in urban area; tree; bush; under rock overhang; side of building
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, fruit juices, insects, honeydew, tree sap
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, flies, beetles, spiders, other arthropods
Biting/stinging
The Bald-Faced Hornet may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Bald-Faced Hornet has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Bald-Faced Hornet can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
The Bald-Faced Hornet typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Bald-Faced Hornet
It is distributed throughout the United States and southern Canada, but is most common in the southeastern United States.
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Life Cycle of Bald-Faced Hornet
Egg After being laid, the egg of the bald-Faced Hornet remains dormant until hatching. During this period, the egg is small, oblong, and often adhesive or protected in some manner.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of the bald-Faced Hornet is worm-like with a voracious appetite. It primarily focuses on eating and growth, molting several times as it increases in size.
Pupal The bald-Faced Hornet's transformation begins in the pupal stage, where it is encased in a cocoon. During this time, the bald-Faced Hornet is immobile, undergoing significant bodily reorganization.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult bald-Faced Hornet exhibits wings, distinctive yellow and black markings, and functional reproductive organs. It is fully mobile and prioritizes mating and nest activities.
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Adult Size of Bald-Faced Hornet
1.2 - 2 cm
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Predators of Bald-Faced Hornet Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, other wasp species
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Predators of Adult Bald-Faced Hornet
Birds, bats, spiders, mantises, other predatory insects
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Interesting Facts About Bald-Faced Hornet
Bald-Faced Hornet uses chewed wood fibers to construct large, grey, paper-like nests, sometimes housing thousands of individuals within intricate, multi-tiered combs.
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Scientific Classification of Bald-Faced Hornet
Tips for Finding Bald-Faced Hornet
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Youth Habitat of Bald-Faced Hornet
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Bald-Faced Hornet
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Savannas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Bald-Faced Hornet
The best time to find bald-Faced Hornet is typically during the day when they are most active, especially in the late spring and summer months when they are out foraging for food.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Bald-Faced Hornet
Warm and dry weather conditions are most suitable for finding bald-Faced Hornet as they prefer to forage and build their nests when it is not raining.
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How and Where Can You Find Bald-Faced Hornet at Different Life Stages
Larva Bald-Faced Hornet larvae are found within the nest, which is often located in sheltered areas or above ground in hollow trees or the eaves of buildings. To find larvae, locate the nest during the day and observe it from a safe distance to avoid disturbance
Pupal Bald-Faced Hornet pupae will also be inside the nest, in the cells where the larvae were previously housed. It is not recommended to disturb the nest to find pupae due to safety concerns.
Adult Bald-Faced Hornet adults can be found foraging for food, such as nectar from flowers or preying on other insects. They may also be spotted near food sources like picnic areas, garbage bins, or gardens. Observe them with care to avoid an aggressive response.
Are Bald-Faced Hornet harmful?
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The bald-Faced Hornet can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Bald-Faced Hornet harmful to humans?

The female wasp has a long thick stinger connected to the poison gland. The main components of the venom are some alkaline substances, including histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, hyaluronidase, etc. When it is stung, it will shoot venom into the skin of the person, but the sting needle is not left in the leather suit. After a person is stung by a wasp, the stinged skin will immediately become red, swollen and painful, even with petechiae and skin necrosis. When the eye is stung, it will cause severe pain, tearing, redness and swelling, and may also cause corneal ulcers. In addition, systemic symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased blood pressure. The above symptoms usually disappear within a few hours to several days. In severe cases, drowsiness, systemic edema, oliguria, coma, hemolysis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute renal failure and shock. Some people allergic to bee venom can manifest as urticaria, anaphylactic shock, etc.
Harmful Effects of Bald-Faced Hornet
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Toxic to Humans
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Toxic to Humans

Bald-Faced Hornet's sting delivers venom that can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Although primarily a defense mechanism, the venom contains neurotoxins, which in rare cases lead to severe complications, such as muscle breakdown or kidney failure. Generally, the sting's effects are mild and transient.

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Toxic to Animals

Bald-Faced Hornet typically delivers its mild venom through stinging, primarily in self-defense or when attacking other insects for food. Humans, dogs, cats, and birds might experience pain and local swelling from its sting. Other insects, such as competing bees, can be killed or seriously harmed. The venom acts differently across species, from minor irritation to more severe allergic reactions in certain individuals.

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Is the Bald-Faced Hornet Deadly?

Bald-Faced Hornet can cause fatalities primarily through severe allergic reactions to its sting. Although fatalities are rare, they can occur in susceptible individuals, including children and the elderly, upon receiving single or multiple stings. Prompt recognition of symptoms and immediate medical treatment, including the use of epinephrine, are crucial for prevention and effective intervention.

More Effects of Bald-Faced Hornet

Beneficial Effects of Bald-Faced Hornet
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Bald-Faced Hornet assists in pollination primarily while searching for nectar and pollen to consume. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers, they inadvertently collect pollen on their bodies. As they move from flower to flower, they transfer pollen, facilitating the fertilization of plants.
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