Have you ever wondered just how fast a hornet can fly? One person had a truly unique experience that provided an answer, at least in one specific situation. It all started when hornets decided to build a nest in a rather inconvenient location – the rearview mirror of a Chevrolet Blazer.
Faced with this stinging situation, the Blazer’s owner decided to try a simple yet bold approach to encourage the hornets to relocate. The plan was to use the vehicle’s motion to disrupt the nest building. Driving off, they accelerated, expecting the hornets to be left behind. However, these were no ordinary hitchhikers. The hornets kept pace, flying in formation alongside the truck’s mirror, not sheltered by its wind shadow, but battling the full force of the wind.
Remarkably, this aerial escort continued as the Blazer reached speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour). At this speed, the hornets were maintaining a flight speed of approximately 55 feet per second (16 meters per second). This personal encounter highlights the surprising speed and tenacity of hornets in flight.
This observation of hornet speed becomes particularly relevant when considering situations where these insects might feel threatened, such as when their nest is disturbed. In the original forum post, this real-life speed encounter was linked to a story about a hornet nest being shot at from a distance of about 200 feet. The speed at which hornets can react and cover ground becomes crucial in such scenarios, as the story illustrates the very rapid response from the disturbed nest. The hunters in that story barely had seconds to close a window after firing before the angry swarm descended.
While this account is based on a personal observation and not a scientific study with precise instruments, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the flight capabilities of hornets. It suggests that hornets are capable of considerable speed, especially when motivated, whether it’s keeping up with a moving vehicle or defending their nest. This firsthand experience provides a compelling anecdote to answer the question: How Fast Can A Hornet Fly? Perhaps faster than you might expect.
