Avispa vs. avispón
This article explains the difference between the Spanish words 'avispa' and 'avispón', which mean 'wasp' and 'hornet' respectively.
Avispa
A 'avispa' is a type of insect known as a wasp in English. Wasps are typically smaller than hornets and can have various colors, such as yellow and black.
Vi una avispa volando cerca de las flores.
(I saw a wasp flying near the flowers.)
Las avispas pueden ser bastante agresivas si se sienten amenazadas.
(Wasps can be quite aggressive if they feel threatened.)
Me picó una avispa y me dolió mucho.
(I got stung by a wasp and it hurt a lot.)
Avispón
'Avispón' refers to a hornet, which is a larger and often more aggressive relative of the wasp. Hornets can also deliver more painful stings compared to wasps.
Un avispón construyó un nido en el árbol del jardín.
(A hornet built a nest in the garden tree.)
Los avispones europeas son conocidos por ser muy protectores de sus nidos.
(European hornets are known for being very protective of their nests.)
El picor de un avispón puede causar una reacción alérgica seria.
(A hornet sting can cause a severe allergic reaction.)
Summary
'Avispa' and 'avispón' refer to two different but related types of insects, with 'avispa' meaning wasp, commonly smaller and variously colored, while 'avispón' means hornet, known to be larger and often more aggressive. Both can sting, but hornet stings tend to be more painful and potentially dangerous.