Huge Wasp Identification

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ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Mar 17, 2012

I'm hoping this video is good enough for someone to help me identify this wasp. This was taken in Sarasota, Florida on 3/16/12. One of the dogs ended up eating it (and I'm fairly certain it was still alive), and hours later, the dog exhibited all the signs of mild anaphylactic shock (the "mild" form of which is highly worrisome, considering the "normal" form of it is often fatal). Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm no expert by any means, but it's been my experience that the bigger & scarier solitary wasps are, the less aggressive & threatening they seem to be. I have a feeling this one packs a powerful sting, though, and I wouldn't be surprised if it stung the dog's insides all the way down.

Here is the link... sorry for the poor quality. I never expected to be posting it for this reason! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY8l3RIS7OE

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hcmcdole Powder Springs, GA(Zone 7b) Mar 17, 2012

If it was very large then it would probably be a cicada killer but it looked more like a yellowjacket in the film. No close ups?

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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Mar 17, 2012

Possibly an overwintering queen of a European hornet - http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Vespa+crabro

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ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Mar 17, 2012

Thanks for the suggestions - I have seen a Cicada Killer before (in fact, I posted it here for identification!). This one was close to, if not VERY similar in size; however, I'm fairly certain it was all yellow (no black markings). Does that help? By the way, if you watch the video in Full Screen, you'll get a better look at it. Sorry.... like I said, I never imagined I'd be submitting it for ID. I only planned on showing a couple friends!

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ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Mar 17, 2012

Thanks for that suggestion btw of the European Hornet.... I want to say mine is not one of those, only because I don't think mine had any black markings at all. Anyone know what it might be, based on that little bit of extra detail? Also, a reminder, if you watch the video, you'll see it a little better in full screen. Thanks again! Any suggestions are so much appreciated :)

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ncaptiva Fort Myers, FL Mar 18, 2012

Any additional ideas from anyone?

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