Can you help me identify a wasp/hornet?

Question

I have seen these often in Georgia where I live, and recently got a good up-close with this particular wasp. It looks just like a yellow jacket, but WAY larger, easily looks to be three inches long, and a long stinger too. That is about all I have, a small description and location, but I appreciate any help or links.

Answer 1

could of been a horsefly

Answer 2

might be something called a female Midwest cicada wasp.they eat cicadas and can grow up to 2 inches and look nearly exactly like wasps. but they are not.they're cousins to the wasp. here is a link to the info and pictures

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphecius_sp...

Answer 3

The stinger on wasps and bees is really an ovipositor.  It is used to lay eggs. On some wasps and bees it is modified to work as a stinger for self defense.  But many wasps can not sting with the ovipositor it can only be used for egg laying.  These wasp are the ones with the longest ovipositor.  Without a better description or a photo I can not identify this wasp.

Answer 4

Learn to ID it yourself at -

http://bugguide.net/node/view/15740

http://greennature.com/article1899.html

http://www.einsteins-emporium.com/life/a...

Answer 5

catch it in your hands, if it stings then it is.

Answer 6

It could be a cicada killer, if it buzzes a lot with its wings, it may definitely be a cicada killer.

Answer 7

WASP HAS A SMALLER SWORD THAN A HORNET