Vespa crabro Linnaeus, 1758

Dvořák, Libor, Roberts, Stuart P. M., Pla, Šumava Np and & Caer, 2006, Key to the paper and social wasps of Central Europe (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 46, pp. 221-244 : 233

Vespa crabro Linnaeus, 1758 – Hornet

Practically unmistakeable species due to its large body size and tri-coloured (red-brownyellow) tergum 1. Only the queen of Dolichovespula media is similar in body size and colour patterns. Distance of ocellus to apical margin of head can clearly separate the species.

This species inhabits predominantly floodplain and xerophilous broadleaf forests and orchards at lower altitudes. It is closely associated with parks and orchards at medium and higher altitudes.