Insects and Spiders - native

Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) on Sep 2, 2025

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

I saved the insect. It’s shaped like a wasp, except the back end appears larger. It’s black, and has yellow stripes on its back.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! This is our native Bald faced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata. They are not related to the Asian and European hornets; they are closely related to yellow jackets. There have been no confirmed reports of invasive hornets in Oregon, only in Washington!

Tom Valente
Sept. 3, 2025, 10:06 a.m.

Resources

Bald-faced Hornet information on iNaturalist

Location

This insect was found in my cabin. Located in the mountain forest, 26 miles north of Grants Pass, on Coyote Creek Road, 2.7 miles east off I-5, just before Golden, across from the Wetlands.

I have other photos,,and I saved the insect. It’s shaped like a wasp, except the back end appears larger. It’s mostly black, and had yellow stripes on its back and face.

Expert Reviewer

Tom Valente
Oregon Department of Agriculture

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