I've received a few emails from people with pictures of wasps they can't identify. I figure someone here could identify this wasp. Anyone have a clue? What's interesting is that a few people are noticing and with the intensity of CCD news from a few months ago reaching the general public, some people are actually scared about these wasps, one person told me in her e-mail - she thinks it's an alien species.
(http://picasaweb.google.com/keanemachine/Wasps/photo#5098758025481797362)
http://picasaweb.google.com/keanemachine/Wasps/photo#5098758025481797362
Description is 1.25 - 1.5 inches in length - large body with black and orange stripes.
Picture included abolve
I need to get me an insect book for the northeast.
Looks like a Urocerus which lays eggs in wood I believe. I think they are a predator of wood boarding grubs.
I don't think they're social either so the nest in the first picture is likely some other type of wasp or hornet.
Michael, holy shooomonga!!!! Well, I have no clue what it is, but listen to Chris, maybe he is onto something. I really do think that by looking at her that she is the queen of her colony, look at the length of her abdomen. Good luck with ident. Have a wonderful day, great life. Cindi