Insect and Spider Identification: CLOSED: Is this a huge wasp?, 1 by HollyAnnS

HollyAnnS wrote:
We have encountered these monsters for the last couple of months. They appear to be non-aggresive even when they run into you or you swat them. Since I'm allergic to bee and yellow jacket stings, they have no problem getting my attention.
Does anyone know more about them? A name would help. Do they sting if you lean against one? Do they have venom? If they are parisitic and passive, I don't want to harm them.
I've included a pic of one that has been in alcohol for a day, and I've seen them up to an inch and a half or better. Thanks, Ric