Ensign wasp A blue-eyed ensign wasp (Evania appendigaster) resting on a leaf. (more) What’s the Difference Between Hornets and Wasps? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Whats-the-Difference-Between-Hornets-and-Wasps Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 13, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot In short: hornets are wasps, but not all wasps are hornets. Wasps are a diverse group of insects with over 100,000 species, many of which are solitary rather than social. They can be found in a variety of habitats and have a wide range of behaviors. Some wasps are parasitoids, laying their eggs in or on other insects or spiders, while others are predatory, feeding on insects; many others are peaceful pollinators. Wasps generally have a slender, smooth body with a narrow waist, and legs with few hairs. Females of some species can sting multiple times due to their barbless ...(100 of 203 words)

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