The
European hornet (
Vespa crabro) is the largest
eusocial wasp in
Europe and the largest vespine in
North America. It is actually the only true hornet found in North America.
V. crabro is usually regarded as a pest by those humans who come into contact with it. Vespines, like
V. crabro, are known for making nests out of surrounding plant materials and other fibers to create intricate paper nests. Unlike most other vespines, reproductive suppression involves worker policing instead of queen pheromone control as was previously thought.