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They may also build their nests in a place
were people frequently walk resulting in the
hornets being disturbed and the chance of some
one being stung being higher.
Ground Hornets are among the largest of all
wasps and can grow to as large as 50 millimetres
with a ground hornet occasionally reaching 100
millimetres. Ground hornets are black or a rust
colour with yellow markings much like a yellow
jacket wasp but much larger. Around the world,
there are as many as 22 species of Hornets.
A female ground hornet will create a burrow that
can reach up to 130cm deep with branches and
many more cells coming of it when she is ready
to lay eggs. She will then lay a fertilised egg
into each cell she has created. Ground hornets
prefer to burrow in sandy, dry soil and will
avoid burrowing into a thick lawn. A burrow is
recognised by a mound of dirt that has been
excavated to create the burrow along with ground
hornets being present.
Ground hornets are solitary wasps that pose a
very small threat as they don't have a nest full
of friends who can help defend their nest. Male
ground hornets do not have a stinger but can be
very aggressive if a person seems threatening.
Female ground hornets are less aggressive
towards animals than they are to male ground
hornets and can give a very painful sting. The
female ground hornet would much rather use her
sting for her prey and will leave people alone
as long as they do not pose a threat. The female
ground hornet will search for a cicada wasp to
attack, once found, the hornet will sting the
wasp paralyzing it. The hornet will then roll
the wasp onto its back and carry it back to her
burrow as food for her young. Each cell of her
burrow will contain an egg that she will also
place up to 4 cicada wasps in as food. Each cell
is then sealed of to prevent predators getting
to her egg and its food.
The ground hornets eggs hatch after a couple of
days and the larvae begin eating the food
provided. Once all the food has been eaten, the
larvae spins a silk case and will pupate through
the winter and spring. Only in the summer will a
new ground hornet emerge to start the hole
process again.
Ground hornets would prefer not to sting people
making them a low threat to people. However, if
their burrows are close to were people live and
walk, they may become a problem and need getting
rid of. Their are many products and ways in
order to get rid of them. Many people believe in
pouring a fuel over the ground and the nest and
setting fire to it. This can work but can also
be dangerous and unsuitable for certain places.
Products are available for taking care of the
problem and are recommended.
Different Types of Wasps - Hornets
There are many different types of wasps -
hornets
which can be found in every region of the world.
The following articles details facts and
information about many different types of
wasps - hornets. There are also facts and information
about the size of the different types of wasps -
hornets, the habitat in which they live and an
indication of how long they live. Everything you
wanted to know about wasps - hornets, facts and info
for kids, children and their teachers and for
everyone interested in the facts about wasps -
hornets.
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