Wasp ID please

Fizzog · #1 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 01:30 PM

I have this one shot of a wasp feeding on a thistle head, but unfortunately all of the references to wasps seem to show only the top or front view and my Collins Complete British Insects isn't helping me.

Is it possible to ID from this?

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 30-07-2010, 07:07 PM

It would be nice to add a correct identification to that superb photo but from that angle it will take a more knowledgeable person that me. My wasp literature is limited to the same book.

But assuming there are only 2 yellow spots at the rear of thorax (although another 2 narrow bars could be hidden by the wing) and there is a hint of red on the abdomen side; a Norwegian Wasp is possible.

Maybe one of the specialists will be tempted to give an answer now.

Fizzog · #3 (**permalink**) 31-07-2010, 08:31 AM

Thanks for the kind comment Geoff

I have this bad habit of looking for 'the shot' before thinking of ID. This isn't the first time I've kicked myself after photographing something I arrogantly assumed I recognised then later discovering I didn't!

- Brian

Geoff F · #4 (**permalink**) 31-07-2010, 06:58 PM

I try to do it the other way around. Get an ID shot first, even if it is from a distance, then move closer and aim for something more 'aesthetic'.

But a wasp expert should still be able to help here; if we can only tempt one to reply. Although they are probably all busy with their own photos now.

shenk1 · #5 (**permalink**) 31-07-2010, 07:11 PM

Just had the same discussion with the missus

about which pics look best.
As a newbie to insects and macro work I try to get one of the front, one from straight above and then an angle that looks more pleasing - side on or at an oblique angle head first -which isn't usually the best for id.

Nice pic by the way Fizzog

Shenk1

eucera · #6 (**permalink**) 31-07-2010, 07:23 PM

This is certainly a male wasp and it looks like a weakly marked Vespula rufa. I can not completely rule out Dolichovespula norwegica either because of the reddish markings on the sides of T1.

Fizzog · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 08:28 AM

Thanks for taking the time to reply everyone, I appreciate it

As a self imposed punishment I shall go back to the wood and see if I can find it again!

... and I'll get front and top shots too.

-Brian

Anzu · #8 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 06:36 PM

Sorry to revive this thread, I was looking through old threads to practice my wasp identifying skills.

Could this be Dolichovespula sylvestris looking at the well defined yellow patch at the side of the head, the broadening yellow patch on the pronutum and the hairy thorax?

Matt Smith · #9 (**permalink**) 31-07-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anzu

Sorry to revive this thread, I was looking through old threads to practice my wasp identifying skills.

Could this be Dolichovespula sylvestris looking at the well defined yellow patch at the side of the head, the broadening yellow patch on the pronutum and the hairy thorax?

No - all the social wasp species have a hairy thorax and most of them have yellow on the side of the head, at least in some part. See Euceras comment for the two possible ID's.

Anzu · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2011, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Smith

No - all the social wasp species have a hairy thorax and most of them have yellow on the side of the head, at least in some part. See Euceras comment for the two possible ID's.

That's what I am seeing so that is why I suggested it