bald-faced hornet
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A North American hornet (Dolichovespula maculata), characterized by its black and white (or ivory) coloration, notably on its face and the tip of its abdomen. It builds large, papery, above-ground nests and is known for its aggressive defense of the colony.
Usage
The term "bald-faced hornet" is used specifically to refer to this insect species. It functions as a countable noun.
Examples: * A bald-faced hornet built its nest under our eaves. * Unlike yellowjackets, the bald-faced hornet has distinctive white markings. * He was stung multiple times after disturbing a nest of bald-faced hornets.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in discussions about pest control, entomology, and outdoor safety to distinguish this species from other wasps and hornets.
- It can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things related to this insect (e.g., "a bald-faced hornet nest," "a bald-faced hornet sting").
Variants and Related Words
- White-faced hornet: A common synonym for "bald-faced hornet."
- Dolichovespula maculata: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Hornet (noun): The general category of large, social wasps to which the bald-faced hornet belongs.
- Wasp (noun): A broader category of stinging insects in the order Hymenoptera.
Synonyms
- White-faced hornet
Notes on Different Meanings
- The term "bald-faced" in a non-entomological context is an adjective meaning "barefaced" or "blatant" (e.g., a bald-faced lie). In "bald-faced hornet," it is part of a fixed compound noun describing the insect's physical appearance, not its behavior.
Noun
- North American hornet