The Australian hornet (Abispa ephippium), a type of potter wasp or "mason wasp", is a vespid native to the Australian states and territories of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. Despite its common name, it is not a true hornet.
The Australian hornet is a solitary insect, forming small nests against buildings and other structures. The adult wasp feeds on flower nectar, while the larvae are fed caterpillars captured by the female.
Description
A. ephippium is in length. The insect is mostly orange, with a large central black patch on the top of the thorax, and a wide black band marking the abdomen.