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Vespa crabro · širšuolas

EN · European hornet DE · Hornisse LT · širšuolas, širšė, širšinas, bičių vilkas LV · sirsenis, irsis PL · szerszeń europejski, szerszeń groźny

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_hornet Vespa crabro is the largest eusocial wasp native to Europe. European hornets are largely carnivorous and hunt large insects. They also feed on fallen fruit and other sources of sugary food. V. crabro colonies seasonally change strategies of obtaining food for both the larvae and adults. In April, when the queen normally lays her eggs, the workers actively go out and forage. Later, typically around the fall season, the foraging workers switch to scavengers. Instead of putting forth the effort to catch food sources, the workers try to take what is more easily available and have been seen hovering around garbage cans and picnic areas in the fall.

This species stings in response to being stepped on or grabbed, but generally avoids conflict. It is also defensive of its nest and can be aggressive around food sources. Unwarranted fear of V. crabro has often led to the destruction of nests. This has led to the decline of the species, which is often locally threatened or even endangered.