Wasp ID

squishy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:43 PM

I turned over a piece of bark in search of fungi today and found this wasp!
it was about 2cm long, and I seemed to wake it up when i disturbed it, so was it a queen starting to hibernate?

sorry bout the angle t'was the only one I could get.

Thanks

Rossco · #2 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:46 PM

That's a hornet and by the looks of it she is trying to hibernate.

squishy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:47 PM

sorry, i've just realised it's a hornet.

it must be a small one, because i considered hornet then dismissed it becuase i thought this one was to small

.

another one to chalk to experience

sorry for posting this

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:49 PM

Evening Adam,

I agree with Ross - a hornet trying to hibernate

Take care,

Jason

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:50 PM

Are you sure it's a hornet and not a queen Dolichovespula media? Look at the top of the abdomen..

Janet

Jason Green · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Are you sure it's a hornet and not a queen Dolichovespula media? Look at the top of the abdomen..

...ah yes, a name plate - I see that

Quite agree,

squishy · #7 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 08:13 AM

ohoh? you mean this was worth posting?

eucera · #8 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 08:25 AM

Definitely a queen Dolichovespula media. Probably went into hibernation about 2 months ago

ChrisR · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 08:25 AM

Hmm, it's an unfortunate angle because we can't see the head properly. My first thought was Dolicovespula media queen and I am still leaning towards that now ... the Hornet's head is much fatter behind the eyes.

Haha ... simultaneous posting ... glad eucera agrees

Rossco · #10 (**permalink**) 08-10-2009, 10:05 AM

I suggested a hornet because of the shape and colour of the thorax and the colour of the head and legs. All the Dolicovespula media I've seen look different.