Tree Wasp - Dolichovespula sylvestris ?

[poschiavanus]

Found this female wasp before the rain came:


I get to Dolichovespula sylvestris with the books available to me. I'd appreciate either a confirmation or guidance as to what I'm doing wrong!

Features I've used: wide malar space, eye 'hollow' mainly black, 'go-faster' stripe on thorax more or less parallel sided, single dot on clypeus, first antennal segment yellow, two prominent yellow dots at rear of thorax.

Should add: location Nottingham, habitat: suburban garden.

Thanks,

poschiavanus

[eucera]

All looks good to me!!

You may enjoy the key I have put in the post to Richard (there is one for you too). You will note there is an error (by the printers not the author) in the diagrams to illustrate the differences between Dolichovespula and Vespula. The malar space in Dolichovespula is WIDE (as you have discovered and as the text points out). It is, however, illustrated incorrectly!

[poschiavanus]

Originally Posted by eucera

All looks god to me!!

I knew you were keen on Bees etc, but isn't god a bit over the top!

Thanks very much. Beginning to get these sorted.

poschiavanus