Hornets are insects that are the largest eusocial wasps. Some species can reach up to 5.5 cm (2.2 in) in length. The true hornets make up the genus Vespa and are distinguished from other vespines by the width of the vertex (part of the head behind the eyes), which is proportionally larger in Vespa and by the anteriorly rounded gasters (the section of the abdomen behind the wasp waist). The best known species is the European hornet (Vespa crabro), about 2–3.5 cm in length, widely distributed throughout Europe, Russia, North America and Northeast Asia.

Michael Grant, 28, “Philly Jesus”, carries a 12 foot cross 8 miles through this blighted area of North Philadelphia towards LOVE Park in Center City as part of a Christmas walk to spread the true message of the holiday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania December 20, 2014. As many as a half dozen others joined him for numerous miles as he trekked southward down Broad Street. Some shouted “Praise Jesus!” and “Thank you for doing this!” at the sight. Nearly everyday for the last 8 months, Grant has dressed as Jesus Christ, and walked the streets of Philadelphia to share the Christian gospel by example. He quickly acquired the nickname of “Philly Jesus”, which he has gone by ever since. (Photo by Mark Makela/Reuters)

A charred deer figure stands in the ruins of a devastated home, as the Eaton Fire continues, in Altadena, California, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Jason Bregartner and his son Jason Jr., 2, sit in costume with J.D. Mirable at a bustop during the NYC Zombie Crawl in New York, October 18, 2015. (Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Members of the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies march during the Krewe of Zulu parade at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana U.S., February 28, 2017. (Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

A person dressed up as Damien Lavey of Monster Prom attends the 2019 New York Comic Con in New York City, New York, U.S., October 3, 2019. (Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

A man dressed as the Sesame Street character Big Bird sits on a bench waiting to take pictures with people walking through Central Park in New York U.S., November 14, 2016. (Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

A man demonstrates outside Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's news conference at Trump Tower in New York, U.S., May 31, 2016. (Photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)