Beautiful insect, well I think so.........

Jonny · #1 (**permalink**) 29-08-2006, 10:32 PM

Was out mothing this evening (don't ask) and had a few hornets too including this huge one.
Sorry about the dirty nails..........

speckled wood · #2 (**permalink**) 29-08-2006, 11:38 PM

Back in May 2000 I rescued a Hornet along a side Lane near Ludlow in Shropshire that had been stunned by a car, I placed it n top of a fence post and watched it slowly revive and then fly away, a truly magical experience.

Gwenhwyfar · #3 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 06:24 AM

Certainly is beautiful, not sure i would like it on my hand though!!

nightshade · #4 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 07:37 AM

Lovely Hornet, Only ever see them over the Bridge

canonman · #5 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 08:08 AM

Hi Jonny
Nice shot, I don't mind hornets.
We forgive you for your dirty nails, can't go looking for wildlife and expect to stay clean
Mick

Wily Trout · #6 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 11:49 AM

I think so too. We've been visited regularly by hornets on a large patch of peppermint, the flowers of which also attract bees and hoverflies in swarms. The hornets seem quite calm and simply move off if you get near. They are also remarkably good at finding their way OUT of the bathroom if they get in by accident - round the room and straight out the window instead of spending hours beating themselves silly on the glass.

Jonny · #7 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 12:18 PM

Most people seem to like hornets, but are a bit wary of them. I find them really cool and non aggressive. Our warden got stung by one the last time we went mothing at this area, but it was because he had one crawl up his trousers and he started to squash it when he leant over

Here is a close up shot of the hornet

matt_xyz · #8 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 12:42 PM

they're fantastic looking insects. I've never had the pleasure of seeing one.

Matt

speckled wood · #9 (**permalink**) 30-08-2006, 01:13 PM

What was interesting to me with the Hornet that I rescued was that as the Hornet recovered it turned round and looked straight at me, it was almost as it it was aware of me and (know it sounds silly) but as if it knew that I had helped it .... Just a sense that this was something a little more intelligent than the average insect.