ID on Wasp or Hornet

[AlexL]

A few months ago (I think it would have been May), a large wasp like insect came into my room. I've no idea what it was, it seemed far bigger than anything I'd seen before so maybe it was a hornet or a queen wasp (although it doesn't look like pictures of queen wasps I have seen). I'd probably estimate the length to have been around 1.5 inches at least, possibly 2. I trapped it in a bowl and took some photographs:





What also interested me was that it doesn't appear to have a visible sting, which could mean it's something completely different altogether? If anyone has any idea of what it is, feel free to share.

[eucera]

It is a European Hornet. No social wasp in UK has a visible sting.

Nice find!

[naturegirl]

Hi AlexL and welcome to WAB!

Don't know what area you are but I'm in south east kent and we've had these hornets here for several years now.

They can look a bit scary but all they want to do is go about their business.

Naturegirl

[AlexL]

Thanks for the identification!

I was in Surrey at the time. I have to say I was pretty suprised by the size of it. I don't remember it being aggressive but it was being pretty lively circling the room, perhaps trying to get out. I just released it back into the garden after taking some photos, and haven't seen one since (and I'd definitely never seen one before, neither had anyone else in the house).

[Hangman]

The biggest identifying factor of V. crabro is the redness on the head and thorax - additionally, most social 'classic shaped' wasps/hornets only extend their sting when they're killing insects, making your arm hurt, or very, very stressed out.

[naturegirl]

Hi Hangman and a warm welcome to WAB!

I am very pleased to hear your tip about their stinger!!

There are a lot of very annoying wasps about this year I have noticed.

I notice this as I am VERY allergic to stings!

Naturegirl

[taruth]

Last night I had what I would describe as a huge wasp in my bungalow. I assume as it is now August it would of been a queen looking for somewhere to hibernate for the winter?

I carefully collected it in a glass and put it outside - I wish I had thought to take a photo of it. It was in its own way beautiful but kinda scary too.

[naturegirl]

Hi Taruth and a warm welcome to WAB!

You are probably right in your assumption.

It may have been a Hornet queen.

Well done on being brave enough to have put it outside!

Shame you didn't manage to get a picture of it, next time.........

ALL creatures on this earth have their own lovliness I believe.

Naturegirl