Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Huge wasp or...

Posted by Andre Jas on 30-09-2005 15:02
#1

Hello again,

This was in France in Sept. It was about 25 mm long. Is it a wasp?

http://www.schrij...enie1a.jpg
http://www.schrij...enie1b.jpg
http://www.schrij...enie1c.jpg


Thanks,

Andr

Edited by Andre Jas on 30-09-2005 15:03

Posted by ChrisR on 30-09-2005 17:11
#2

Mmm - lovely - wish we got those this far north. Looks like a member of the Scoliidae to me - definitely a wasp :D Harmless to humans - my book says they are parasitoids of the larvae of large Scarabaeidea (chafer and scarab beetles). I saw a different species with orange spots in Turkey, which was about 4-5cm long - incredible creatures.

Chris

Posted by lynkos on 30-09-2005 22:15
#3

Chris is right, it does have many of the characteristics of a Scoliidae, although I've never seen a species such as this myself. Here is a picture of one of the largest members, the extraordinary Scolia flavifrons http://www.lynkos...-n17-f.htm, photographed near Rome in Italy. Amazing creature! Sarah