Australian Hornet (aka Potter Wasp)
Abispa ephippium
-27.4493, 153.101
Field Notes
Description:
The Australian Hornet (aka Potter Wasp) is quite large - approx. 30 mm. The abdomen is orange and black, and the thorax is black with orange triangle at the shoulders. The antenna and legs are orange-yellow. They are solitary and build a mud pot-shaped nest attached to a tree trunk or side of a building. They can sting but are not aggressive.
Habitat:
Often seen in gardens searching for caterpillars on leaves on trees and shrubs, or collecting mud from damp soil or roof gutters.
Notes:
This specimen was attracted to the red car. It flew off a couple of times but kept returning. The reflection of my blue shirt is a pretty pink. How lovely ;-)
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