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Project Noah Nature School
Abispa ephippium
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.
Often seen in gardens searching for caterpillars on leaves on trees and shrubs, or collecting mud from damp soil or roof gutters.
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 ;-)
Spotted on Dec 24, 2013
Submitted on Dec 29, 2013
6 Comments
Another note to self: No Hawaiian shirts either. Thanks KD :-) I'm keeping my eyes open for this hornet. They're quite spectacular.
Don't wear floral either Neil! Colour and images must be something they identify with as I have been wearing floral at times and been buzzed constantly, it is worrying when you know a sting could really hurt! I've watched them search flowers particularly red bottlebrush for insects and flower spiders, but also they rest amongst the foliage and sip a bit of nectar from the blossoms at times. Maybe not all do the same as what I've observed, but you do see 'different' behaviours at times.
Note to self: Don't wear a bright red shirt. This would freak me out. Cars and flowers are one thing. But me???
Yep so Qld. Nothing like those around Melbourne unfortunately. Interesting observation peoples. Next time I visit I'll bring something red.
Hi kd. I have a couple of lovely bottlebrushes near to home so I'll keep my eyes peeled. Red is obviously a fave colour for wasps.
I've noticed they are very attracted to the bright red bottlebrush flowers in the paddock here and don't visit the other coloured blooms while searching for food.