Unknown wasp-like insect.

Mike Dodman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 09:55 AM

This was flying around in Kippford, a coastal village on the shores of the Solway Firth in Dumfries & Galloway in S.W. Scotland, the last week in August.
It briefly settled on a house wall about 9 feet above me.
From its size ( I would guess at between 1 to 2 inches long) I assumed that it was a hornet. However, having "Googled" images of hornets, I can't see anything similar.
Can anyone enlighten me please?

Laurence Clemons · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 11:28 AM

It is Urocerus gigas - one of the horntail woodwasps.

Harry Eales · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurence Clemons

It is Urocerus gigas - one of the horntail woodwasps.

But in fact a Sawfly.

Harry

naturegirl · #4 (**permalink**) 13-09-2008, 03:05 AM

It is a "Horntail" or "Giant Wood wasp", which is in fact, a Sawfly.

These will not/cannot harm humans so please do not be afraid of them.

Their larvae/babies only inhabit wood so are no threat to us.

Hope this helps!

Naturegirl