Queen Wasp question

[Action_Man]

Can you tell me when they go into hibernation in the UK ? ...

[eucera]

The Dolichovespula queens and Vespula rufa queens will already be in hibernation. Vespula germanica, V. vulgaris and Vespa crabro are just starting to produce their sexuals now (I saw a male hornet last week) and the queens will seek hibernation sites post mating.

[Action_Man]

I`m a bit unsure about what to do with this one that i accidentally disturbed while looking for a certain type of insect under some bark, i couldent put it back, and its quite drowsy, it doesent seem to be able to fly either ...

[ChrisR]

You could just try keeping it dry & dark (in a plant pot or similar) in a dark, shaded, airy corner of an outbuilding like a garage. The important thing is that the temperature stays cool all winter and doesn't warm up too early in the year otherwise it will think Spring has arrived in January. Then again, with global warming, that's getting more and more like reality every year!

Alternatively just choose a sunny day and put it out to warm up and buzz-off to find its own hibernation spot

[eucera]

I'm not sure I'd necessarily advise a dry place. The hibernating wasps and bumbles that I've found (not many mind you) tend to be glistening with condensation when discovered. I think that dessication is a major cause of winter mortality.

[Action_Man]

I`ll wait until we get a warm, and try and release it.

And just out of interest, is it Vespula rufa ? ...

[ChrisR]

I had a quick skim through the British Wildlife key and it looked like common or garden Vespula vulgaris to me

[eucera]

Actually, this one looks like a V. vulgaris queen