HUGE black hornet

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by RubyRose

It was a carpenter bee, I found pictures on the internet after this post and it looked exactly the same, I am most grateful, apparently they do sting, so feeling less guilty about the pregnant wood wasp harmless thing. Anyway thanks very much for your reply. Ruby

May I suggest that you send your information about the Carpenter Bee to Eucera via pm as I'm sure he'd be grateful for the record.
I've never seen a CB but they certainly look like an incredible insect.

As with most things that give us a fright, I find the best way of dealing with it (usually after the shock has worn off) is to find out more about the creature, it's habits and life cycle etc.

I did this with spiders years ago and don't have any problems with them at all now -infact, I actively seek out a couple of my favourite species (and yes I have respect for them as they do bite) and show others.

[WhiskyBottle]

Originally Posted by eucera

However, they have NO visible "sting" at all (like all other bees - and hornets).

Probably would if you wacked it

I've photographed these (carpenter bees) in Italy, but don't have the pic to hand.

[RubyRose]

I didn't say I was free of guilt just a little less guilty... anyway I truely wish I had taken a photograph of it and set it free in the garden. I didn't know they were so rare, I was told to make contact with a member here to report the siting. It didn't have any visible stinger on it ..... thanks everyone for all your help and comments it has been very educational and informative, I am most grateful. Ruby

[Kayleigh]

Its easy to judge people when they do things like kill first I'm sure at one time we were all guilty..
I was anyway..
But this site is very educational as you have found out.
If an insect makes its way into my house or garden I reach for a glass and some card or you can get a humane tube that hoover's them up for release outdoors as they don't want to be in your house.

Hope you stick around, we all feel passionate about wildlife and its so sad when people kill things unnecessary through ignorance, I see we have convinced you to think before you act next time..

Take care

[MAREE]

Been trying to find out what my other half saw in the garden the other day, and came across the info. about the carpenter bee. Judging by the size and his description I would say we had one buzzing about here last week definately not a wood wasp as we get several of those up here every year!

Happy bug hunting...........