How to Tell the Difference Between Male & Female Hornets

Observe the hornet's size from a safe distance. The most obvious characteristic difference between male and female hornets is their length. Female hornets are half an inch longer than males because they need to be able to carry eggs of their offspring.

Look for the ovipositor, also known as the stinger. Female hornets carry a stinger, while the male hornets do not.

Study the hornet's natural behaviors. Since females are equipped with a stinger, they are normally found closer to the hornets' nest while the males stray farther to collect food and supplies.

Count the segments on the hornet's antennae. Because the segments are small and can be best seen under a magnifying device, determining gender with a live hornet is difficult with this method. If the hornet is dead, a sure way to observe gender is to count the number of antennae segments of the insect. Male hornets have 13 segments while females only have 12 segments.