Saxon wasp

Description:

D. saxonica is similar to its yellowjacket relatives with the black and yellow stripes on its body. However, the Saxon wasp is larger than most of its relatives and can also be identified by the three dots on its head. The Saxon queens are largest with a body length ranging from 15–19 mm (.59–.75 in), while the males range from 13–15 mm (.51–.59 in) and the workers from 11–15 mm (.43–.59 in). The male body consists of a copulatory casing at the end of their gaster and seven gastral tergites – hardened plates, or sclerites that are divided on the dorsal side of the body – and sternites, which are sclerites on the ventral side of the thorax.[4] On the other hand, the female has six gastral tergites and sternites and a sting at the end of their gaster.

Habitat:

The Saxon wasp is commonly found in most of Europe and in northern and central Asia. Areas where the species can be commonly found include the United Kingdom (Southern only), the Czech Republic, northern France, and the Netherlands. Within these areas, D. saxonica can be found hanging freely in various forest types, the open countryside, and wooded hills.[6] Since these wasps are aerial nesters, the nests are often hanging on tree branches or shrubs, a couple meters off the ground. Urban areas are also suitable habitats for D. saxonica. As a result, their nests have been found under roofs, porches, park benches, and on the sides of buildings. Despite this flexibility in nesting sites, rarely are subterranean nests found.

Notes:

Pictures from a nest in my garden.