Dolichovespula media??

[CloudedYellow]

I feel rather embarrassed about asking about yet another wasp.



My understanding is that the tick (like the Nike 'swish') on the thorax is characteristic of Dolichovespula media.

However, the abdominal markings are not like Dolichovespula media!

Thanks again

[eucera]

Certainly is D. media. the abdominal markings are very variable. This is clearly a Dolichovespula (check eye-mandible distance) and the ocular sinus is entirely yellow (no other British Dolichovespula shares this character).

The Nike "Swoosh" also seems like a consistent character in workers and males

[Geoff F]

I'm not a 'wasp person' but it does tally up with reference book. Abdomen is exactly correct and it has a narrow black crossbar on the face. There should be 4 yellow spots on the rear of the thorax which is difficult to see but it does look like there is something there.

The only difference is that you appear to have a little more black on the legs, but this may be variable.

Apparently a recent arrival, around the early 1980's.

Perhaps a 'real expert' will give an opinion shortly.

[CloudedYellow]

Originally Posted by eucera

Certainly is D. media. the abdominal markings are very variable. This is clearly a Dolichovespula (check eye-mandible distance) and the ocular sinus is entirely yellow (no other British Dolichovespula shares this character).

The Nike "Swoosh" also seems like a consistent character in workers and males

Thanks again Eucera

Richard

[CloudedYellow]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

There should be 4 yellow spots on the rear of the thorax which is difficult to see but it does look like there is something there.

Thanks Geoff, I think the four spots are variable as they are also present on Dolichovespula saxonica I photo'd a couple of days ago.

I am not off to find out aboutthe eye-mandible distance and work out where the ocular sinus is!! (somewhere around the eye, I'll bet! )

[CloudedYellow]

The colour of the ocular sinus looks like a useful id feature for Dolichovespula media in addition to the 'Swoosh"!

Thanks Eucera.

[eucera]

In conjunction with the broad "malar space" ie the distance between the bottom of the eye and the base of the mandible. In Dolichovespula this is is broad, in Vespula it is very narrow