Hello!
My father has set up a yellow jacket trap in our front yard. As inhumane as it is, we do have a serious Vespula problem; to the point where the insects are threatening our pets and lawn workers.
I noticed this lady struggling in the trap, which has already attracted a large number of yellow jackets. I originally thought she was a Cicada Killer, but my brother and father noted shoe looked different. After a bit of investigation, I've decided she could be a Vespa carbro, European Hornet, queen.
Date/Time: October 27, 2017. Approximately 5:00 PM.
Location, Ambler, Pennsylvania.
Length: 25-28 mm.
Temperature/Weather: 64° F, Sunny
Rain: Two days ago
Distinguishing Characteristics: Red features, yellow head, fuzzy thorax, yellow/black gaster. Very large!
Distinguishing Behavior: Struggling to escape from trap.
Here's a video of her: IDENTIFICATION THREAD
Update: I opened the trap and let her out: video.
Edited by VoidElecent, October 27 2017 - 4:01 PM.