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.

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.

Being a member of the potter wasp subfamily (Eumeninae), A. ephippium females build large nests in sheltered positions using mud.

The females search for prey (including spiders and caterpillars) around trees and shrubs, before sealing the captured insects inside the nest's cells.