The Mammoth Wasp (Megascolia maculata) is found in Europe and Asia and is the largest wasp found in Europe.
Its body is covered in downy hair and is glossy black in colour with two yellow bands across its abdomen which are sometimes divided to form four yellow spots.
The female is larger than the male and may reach a length of 4.5 cm. while the male may reach a length of 2 cm.
The female has a yellow to reddish head, the male has a black head. 
Females have shorter antennae than males. 

Lesvos, Greece, 4 May 2010