Wasp ID?

[iainL]

I'm sort of leaning toward Norwegian Queen, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's something completely different?



Any help greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Iain

[Geoff F]

Well the wasp experts don't appear to be very keen to commit themselves here.

And I'm afraid that all I can offer is a quick read of my limited printed matter concerning wasps.

There is definitely some red on the abdomen sides, like a Norwegian, but I'm not sufficiently experienced to separate this from a poorly marked Vespula rufa. I think it will probably come down to the shape of that black central face stripe.

I thought that the Norwegian had a rather straight sided band here while yours has some sideways expansion, but I'm not at all sure on this.

However, hopefully this will encourage a more knowledgeable person to speak up.

[eucera]

It is certainly a Dolichovespula rather than a Vespula (check the broad gap between the base of the mandible and the lower margin of the eye). And all the signs are that this is a rather poorly marked D. norwegica queen.

Assuming this picture was taken in Scotland, there are only 2 Dolichovespula species known from north of Edinburgh

[iainL]

Thanks Both

Good assumption eucera, North East Scotland.

Cheers

Iain