SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Do you guys get these "things"...
They are pretty dangerous and have a very painful sting but unlike a bee, they can sting repeatedly...I think they have even caused deaths. Some people have been badly stung inside their mouths as these things like sweetness and will crawl inside your drink can.
Not great pics, I shot them in a hurry as this one has been visiting my bird bath for a few weeks and he zips off very rapidly when I get anywhere near...the fly spay will be coming out soon. These things were introduced, for some reason, back several years ago and have become a real pest...

Shot these with my 55-300mm @ 300mm..

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Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Would those be the same as a European Hornet? We get hornets, yellow-jackets, etc that sting repeatedly. Yellow-jackets nest in the ground and will come after you with a vengeance if the nest is disturbed or if you look at them cross-eyed. :-D Look like good shots to me, Ron.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Not sure Donna as I've only ever heard them referred to as "wasps" over here...in fact all similar things are called wasps over here, as far as I know we don't have hornets...that is either an American term for wasps or maybe a different species all together...?

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Not sure, Ron, but I think hornets, yellow-jackets, dirt-daubers, paper wasps, etc are all considered wasps.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Found this on Wiki...yes they are your yellow jackets...

Vespula germanica
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"European wasp" redirects here. For a similar species known as "European wasp", see Vespula vulgaris.
European wasp
European wasp white bg.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Suborder: Apocrita
Family: Vespidae
Genus: Vespula
Species: V. germanica
Binomial name
Vespula germanica
(Fabricius, 1793)

Vespula germanica (European wasp, German wasp, or German yellowjacket) is a species of wasp found in much of the Northern Hemisphere, native to Europe, Northern Africa, and temperate Asia. It has been introduced and is well-established in many other places, including North America, South America (Argentina and Chile), Australia, and New Zealand. German wasps are part of the family Vespidae and are sometimes mistakenly referred to as paper wasps because they build grey paper nests, although strictly speaking, paper wasps are part of the subfamily Polistinae. In North America, they are also known as yellowjackets.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Not very nice things to have around...
Damage
The European wasp is potentially a much more serious pest in W.A. than it is in Europe. In cold climates wasp colonies die out during the winter months with the new queens being the only survivors. There is also only one generation per year. This restricts insect numbers. However, in warmer countries like Australia, breeding and nest construction may continue throughout the year. This may result in massive colonies being produced, with nests up to three metres long containing hundreds of thousands of wasps. European wasps, unlike honeybees, can sting more than once. Each time they sting, wasps inject venom which causes a painful reaction. Some people are allergic to the stings, which in rare cases can prove fatal. Wasps, attracted to the sugar content, sometimes crawl unnoticed into opened cans of beer or soft drink. People drinking straight from the can (without using a straw) are likely to be stung inside the mouth or throat. This is extremely painful and asphyxiation can occur as the throat swells from repeated stings. European wasps are also attracted to raw meat making them a major nuisance at barbecues. Wasps are also a danger to dogs, which can be stung inside the throat after swallowing pet food on which wasps have settled. They can also be serious pests in orchards and vineyards, being attracted by the fruity odours. For the same reason, the wasps can be a problem in fruit processing establishments and fruit and confectionery shops. They have also been known to be a serious pest of the beekeeping industry. The wasps rob beehives of honey, bees and larvae.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Very interesting information, Ron! Most all insects are active in our climate all year as well including bees and wasps. We have a huge hornets' nest that somebody gave us. I'll have to snap some shots of it and post soon. It's an amazing structure.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

It looks like the common wasp that we get around here, Ron. Most locals just call them 'wasps' but a few call them 'hornets'. Ours would be about an inch long-maybe a little longer. Good shots, anyway, whatever they are called. :D :D

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Thanks Earl... :-D

Chuckwal Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

Super photos. The butt shot is the best
Chuck

infocus Loc: Australia

Called Wasps in NSW too Ron and I have been stung by one (on my leg) just because I walked passed it's nest which was up under my eaves - I didn't even know it was there until it stung me. Nice capture of a very quick little monster.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

I don't know what they are, Ron, but I hope I never see one! Good shots!

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Thanks John...I always drink with a straw out of a can these days, not only because of the plates in my spine but because of these pests...

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

Thank you Sue...one big problem, kids mistake them for honey bees...

infocus Loc: Australia

Great idea. I think everyone should use a straw out of a can. You never know what's come into contact with the outside of the can. lol.