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Australian Hornet

Abispa ephippium

Photo by LeanneGardner
Published on Project Noah
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-21.4238, 149.218

Field Notes

Description:

The Australian hornet (Abispa ephippium), actually a type of potter wasp or "mason wasp", is a vespid insect native to the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia states of Australia. The Australian hornet is a solitary insect, forming small nests against buildings and other structures. The adult wasp feeds off flower nectar, while the larvae are fed caterpillars captured by the female.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)

OK thank you both for your help. Yes Argybee, he has beautiful colours & features :)
Yerss. You've got it. Well done. Fantastic looking wasp eh !
That's the one. It's correct.
Thank you LarsKorb :) I just found this one....still not positive though? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_hornet
I don't think the link shows the same species. The spotting above looks like a type of hornet to me - the shorter antennas and the eye's shape as well as the larger abdomen speak for it.
Ok , I'll leave it for now then. Thanks so much for your help Argybee :)
It sure looks really close Leanne. The bend in the antennae might be an issue. I'd hang on to that as the closest until an expert comes along.
Thanks Argybee. I had a looksy......I think this one is it??? Could you give me your opinion please?http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_wasps/LargePotterWasp.htm
check this one it looks similar... http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_wasps/OrangeSpiderWasp.htm
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 21, 2012

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