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Post by fredg on Sept 18, 2016 11:56:22 GMT
This first strip, I'm sure you'll agree are Wasps. But what about this one. It's much bigger than the norm (above) but not huge. Is it a big Wasp or a Hornet
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Stu
Junior Member
Posts: 52
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Post by Stu on Sept 19, 2016 12:27:03 GMT
Looks like a large wasp to me (Queen?) Vespa crabro is more orangey-brown, particularly on the thorax.
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Post by fredg on Sept 19, 2016 15:54:57 GMT
The large one is checking out as Dolichovespula media, the Median Wasp. The size is reportedly 18-22 mm as opposed to the 12-18 mm for Vespula vulgaris, the Common Wasp. It says the "back to front" 7s at either side of the thorax when viewed from above is an indicator. The colour is variable from more black to more red.
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Stu
Junior Member
Posts: 52
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Post by Stu on Sept 19, 2016 21:09:39 GMT
Well there you go, learn something new every day... I wasn't aware of that species and when looking again, the '7' is indeed the giveaway!
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Post by corky on Oct 5, 2016 16:48:15 GMT
Fairly sure this one is a European hornet vespa crabro , not the best pics but he wasn't in the mood for posing and I wasn't in the mood to find out how much pain it could inflict;-) easy 30mm long with red hair on thorax
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Post by fredg on Oct 5, 2016 18:24:30 GMT
You didn't pet it then corky?
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Post by corky on Oct 5, 2016 19:54:57 GMT
Haha no way, after looking the little guy up on the web apparently the sting may be felt for days , only the females inflict agonising pain:-) now I know why a vespa has its name
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Post by stevebooth on Oct 6, 2016 12:40:14 GMT
You own a scooter Corky?
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Post by corky on Oct 6, 2016 12:52:11 GMT
No Steve, a few mates had them when we were younger
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