Identify this creature please!

[divegirl]

hi, could people please have a look at the pic in my thread in Home and garden.....

http://www.theanswerb...n/Question897468.html

And help me out please.

Lisa x

[Eve]

OMG that's huge! Has it got wings? Could it be like a mutant wasp or something, like a hornet?

[LoftyLottie]

I must admit I was thinking hornet!!

[Eve]

Looks like it...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_hornet

I remember finding one in the garden when I was little, it was huge!

[LoftyLottie]

http://www.the-piedpiper.co.uk/th4a.htm

http://janetsmart.blo...ous-or-beautiful.html

[LoftyLottie]

I think I would be very wary of it 4' away from the house divegirl!! They are the largest members of the wasp family!! And they have horrible stings. Be careful.

[rowanwitch]

can't access the picture from work but from the reaction hornet is likely as it says in the link hornet queens can be very big

http://www.newforeste...ornet/hornetpage.html

[divegirl]

It's looking like it could be a hornet, but it's a lot brighter in colour and has a yellow face, it looks fatter than a hornet as well. She didn't like me gently trimming the branches, but is amazing to watch her building. The nest is sort of oval but she's building the next layer and it looks like it has a hat on. Amazing but unfortunately too close to the house to stay.
Lisa x

[divegirl]

Btw Jenna...no it takes the bus hun!

[LoftyLottie]

Better picture of Queen Hornet, who does have a yellow face

http://www.bwars.com/...llery/mine/hornet.jpg

[divegirl]

Snap....

http://www.bwars.com/...llery/mine/hornet.jpg

That's the baby......we think....trying not to get too close now!

So what do I do with it....can it be moved?

[Eve]

Sorry, I only looked at the picture initially, was only trying to help.

[divegirl]

I want to cut off the branches where it is and relocate it to the top of the garden, tre need a good prune anyway....lol
Daughter says no....
What you all reckon?

[divegirl]

Joking jenna babe :O}

[bobjugs12]

Jeez, thats not an insect, it's a Flying Tiger. You're going to need a rifle, a pith helmet and some natives to rid yourself of that beast.

[LoftyLottie]

I actually think you should leave well alone because apparently hornets can get aggressive if disturbed!! Sadly, this may be a job for Rentokil or similar, although, like you, I would rather let it live. It is far too near the house and I would keep your windows and doors shut! I have been in a house with hornets and it is not pleasant.

[ChuckFickens]

I've been stung by a hornet, I keep a very healthy distance from them now, it really hurts!

[rowanwitch]

despite their bad press hornets are not as aggressive as most wasps, I'd still prefer to pay a professional... Although if the nest is still very small therei sn't much chance of a mass attack or you could wait until it gets dark and cool and treat the nest with wasp killer... make sure you are well covered up though

[China Doll]

Kill it, kill it, kill it.... In fact, call 999 immediately!

I'm not a massive fan of anything with more than four legs... particularly if it looks like it could drive a bus which that thing clearly does. Hate hornets. :c(

[divegirl]

China...you cruel moo....lol

Bob....do you have a pith helmet I can borrow?

Awwww I really don't want to kill it, daughter keeps telling me 'It's only a bluudy fly Mum'!
It's not though..... it's beautiful ....will update later!
Lisa x

[LoftyLottie]

Must admit that it's great to see that you find her and her nest building wonderful and that you think she is beautiful. Just wish there were more like you who just let creatures be. However, do be careful because their stings are pretty nasty.

Personally I think that us humans are the least beautiful of all creatures!