Very large wasp-type creature

[hrickards]

Hi,

Today I found a very large wasp-like creature buzzing around the bathroom. It must have been at least an inch long, although it wasn't as wide as an Asian giant hornet. (thank God!) It was striped (I believe) dark brown and yellow and made a buzzing sound when flying (and possibly when not). After opening the windows for a small period of time, the buzzind sound had stopped and the insect was nowehere to be found. Unfortunately I didn't have a chance to get any photos. From photos I've found online, I think it may be a queen hornet. Can anyone help identify it (queen hornets seem to be pretty rare in Sussex, UK where I'm from), and whether or not it could still be there (e.g does it buzz when it's not flying)?

Thanks

[Gatekeeper]

Could it possibly the hoverfly Volucella inanis? This is a rather large hoverfly and is often mistaken for a large wasp. There should be some images in the Gallery.

[aeshna5]

Hornets are more numerous now + should be fairly common in Sussex around old woodland with new queens dispersing. The hoverfly most like a Hornet is Volucella zonaria which would make a buzzing sound in a confined space. Check the Gallery images of both as either are a possibility.

[hrickards]

Hmm, the stripes seemed to be more pronounced (i.e more yellow than orange) than on the Volucella zonaria. It could be the Volucella inanis or just as easily be a hornet. Oh well, guess I'll never know

Thanks for your help!