The insects can be tiny that an individual can’t even see them at first glance, but they can be a hell of dangerous depending upon their type, species, and characteristics.
Key Takeaways
- Yellow jackets are a type of wasp, while hornets are the largest wasps within the Vespidae family.
- Yellow jackets are more aggressive than hornets, especially when their nests are disturbed.
- Hornet nests are aerial and made from paper-like material, while yellow jacket nests are found in the ground or cavities.
Yellow Jackets vs Hornets
Yellow jackets are used to describe types of wasps that are smaller, black and yellow and build their nests underground or in enclosed spaces. Hornet is a term which describes types of wasps that are larger, black and white or brown and orange, and known to construct nests on high and open spaces.
The category of yellow jackets is commonly known as wasps. It is just that in North America, it is known as Yellowjackets. They belong to the predatory class of social wasps.
The hornets are the biggest community of wasps known around the world. They look almost similar to yellow jackets. Their maximum length can be up to 5.5 cm.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Yellow Jackets | Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern of nesting | Yellow Jackets are known to build their home below the ground | Hornet makes their nests above the ground |
| Color of strips | Yellow jackets have yellow stripes on their body. | Hornet doesn’t have any yellow strips or color on its body. |
| Size | Yellow jackets are apparently tiny in size as compared to the hornet. | Hornets are apparently larger in size as compared to the Yellow jackets. |
| Color of body | Yellow jackets are not made with a whole black body. | Hornet’s body is black in color. |
| Nests | Most of the Yellow jackets make their nest inside of the ground but can still choose wall voids. | Hornets prefer their nests in the bushes and trees for residence but can also be found at your home. |
What are Yellow Jackets?
The category of yellow jackets is commonly known as wasps. It is just that in North America, it is known as Yellowjackets. They belong to the predatory class of social wasps.
Most of the Yellowjackets make their nest and residence area inside of the ground but can still choose wall voids of our home. They fall under the category of high predators in pests insects.
What are Hornets?
The hornets are the biggest community of wasps known around the world. They look almost similar to yellow jackets. Their maximum length can be up to 5.5 cm.
The hornet’s body is produced black in color. Hornets prefer their nests in the bushes and trees for residence but can also be found at your home.
The queen bee lays eggs because females cannot produce fertile eggs for the purpose of reproduction.
Main Differences Between Yellow Jackets and Hornets
- Yellowjackets are not made with a whole black body; instead of that, they have yellow stripes on them, whereas Hornets’ body is black in color.
- Most Yellowjackets make their nest and residence area inside of the ground but can still choose wall voids of our home, whereas Hornets prefer their nests in the bushes and trees for residence but can also be found at your home.
- https://www.jimmunol.org/content/150/7/2823.short
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0091674985900405
Last Updated : 19 August, 2023
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
I’m quite taken aback by this article. There is so much to know about such tiny creatures. Quite fascinating, really.
Yes, Lewis, it’s amazing how much there is to learn about the world around us.
I agree, Lewis. The world of insects is truly fascinating.
This is a very concise and informative article. The differences between hornets and yellow jackets are very clear. Thank you!
I couldn’t agree more, Imogen. It’s incredible just how varied the world of insects can be on a molecular level.
Wow, Imogen. I couldn’t have said it better myself! This article is incredibly enlightening.
This article is really quite enlightening. I never realized there was so much to know about these creatures.
Absolutely, Ross. The natural world is full of surprises.
I completely agree, Ross. The intricacies of the insect world are truly fascinating.
I never knew there was so much to learn about insects like yellow jackets and hornets. This article was an eye-opener.
Absolutely, Xjames. The natural world never ceases to amaze.
This article is really eye-opening. It’s amazing how much there is to learn about these small creatures.
I couldn’t agree more, Cross. The intricacies of the insect world are truly incredible.
Absolutely, Cross. There’s so much more to learn about the natural world around us.
I have to say, this article is impressive. The comparison between yellow jackets and hornets is well articulated. Great work.
Ethan, I couldn’t agree more. The nuances of the insect world are truly fascinating.
I completely agree, Ethan. The fact that such small creatures can be so diverse is truly mind-boggling.
This is a really insightful article. I’m amazed at the level of detail presented here. Fascinating!
I agree, Matilda. It’s incredible to see how different these types of wasps are.
Absolutely, Matilda. The world of insects never ceases to amaze me.
I must say, I’m really impressed by this article. It gives great insight into the differences between yellow jackets and hornets.
I couldn’t agree more, Mike. The level of detail provided here about these tiny creatures is truly fascinating.