Yellow/black like a wasp with huge red eyes

[redberry]

So say my darling boys who are budding naturalists. I've tried googling and can't find anything remotely close to their description. They said it was bigger than a hornet with large red eyes. Have just joined the forum to ask for ideas.

Looks like we might be back for more browsing later though, as they are keeping nature books as part of their home ed experience and this site is jam packed with helpful info

[Geoff F]

There isn't a lot bigger than a Hornet, around 30mm head to tail, but try a Horntail (Urocerus gigas) which is rather wasp like.

The red eyes possibly suggest a Horse Fly but offhand I can't think of one which is that big or clearly marked like a wasp.