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A big one.

tony williams2tony williams2 Posts: 288
in Wildlife gardening
I found this beauty in my compost heap

Posts

  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,543
    Hornet?
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Need something next to it for size comparison 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Was it alive? Some bumblebee queens hibernate in compost heaps and loose soil so I wonder if hornets do too?
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • tony williams2tony williams2 Posts: 288
    Hi, its about 30 mm long, and yes it was. I was told its an Asian hornet.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    No that's a European hornet. The yellow tail/abdomen with dots is distinctive. An asian hornet would have a dark tail with only one yellow segment.

    Interesting if it was hibernating in your heap though. Wasp queens seem to like dry places like inside my bl**dy gloves that I leave in the greenhouse.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • tony williams2tony williams2 Posts: 288
    Not a pleasant thought mate, but thanks for your reply.
  • Fishy65Fishy65 Posts: 2,276
    Yep a European hornet. Despite their fearsome appearance they are less aggressive than most wasp species. If you get close to a nest they will buzz around you. If you pay no heed they will then bounce off you. If you still don't clear off, only then will they sting. So quite considerate really  :)
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    That's an Asian hornet (found & photographed in my garden). More pics on this forum page.


  • tony williams2tony williams2 Posts: 288

          Ive been told it's an european hornet because of the different colouring on it's back, I think it's correct after checking the insect. Cheers .
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