Is This A Hornet?

[vikkib]

Spotted this big old boy in the plastic GH - just wondered if it was a hornet or something else?

Second picture is a little blurry as I used the digital zoom - didn't want to get much closer! (I'm a scardy cat!)



I don't want to disturb it but I was planning on clearing out the plastic GH today (full of tools!) so I could put my peppers and chilles in there.

I've read they are not aggressive and unlikely to sting unless attacked, I'm just nervous that me clattering around in there might constitute an attack in the hornets mind!

[Madasafish]

Looks like one to me.

It should be much bigger than a wasp: 2-4 times larger...

Nasty things...

When i met them in Scottish woods, they WERE aggressive..

[FionaH]

Not aggressive my backside! They are in my experience!

[Nicos]

What sort of size is it???...sort of looks more like a wasp to me- might be a queen wasp looking to build a nest- it's that time of year now

...and no- hornets aren't a nasty as wasps- so long as you leave them alone- and keep still

[vikkib]

It wasn't huge, the bit I could see was probably a bit over an inch in length.

It seems to have gone now, hopefully it wasn't a queen wasp deciding to make home in my little plastic GH. There will bearly be enough room in there for the plants!

[brooklynodog]

Probably a queen wasp then, not a hornet. See my picture in the other hornet thread, they are HUGE
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...den-hornet.jpg

[NOG]

The best way to test is to lightly flick it with your finger.
When it stings you...if it hurts it is a wasp. If you want to cut your hand off to stop the pain its a hornet.

[vikkib]

The best way to test is to lightly flick it with your finger.
When it stings you...if it hurts it is a wasp. If you want to cut your hand off to stop the pain its a hornet.

I think I'll just be thankful I haven't seen it since!

[HeyWayne]

If the sky went dark when it flew overhead it's a hornet. They're ginormous!

[roitelet]

Think its a Queen wasp, Hornets are HUGE and have a very distinctive sound. They are also much darker than wasps with more red round the front end.

[Paulottie]

Hornets are browner at the top of the thorax. I've seen a few this year. Will try and take a photo of a dead one for you.

[Geo]

Hornet..



Geo..

[NOG]

is the life size.

[Paulottie]

Hornet..



Geo..

EEEkkkkk....that's the girlie, I had meant to take a photo from the same angle as the other shot....just so busy at the moment.