The thorax of the great potter wasp is attached to the abdomen by a long red and black petiole which is swollen at the rear. The rear part of the abdomen is yellow with marked black stripes. The abdomen tip is pointed.
The square-shaped thorax and the first part of the abdomen are black with reddish patches which are much more visible on females. The front of the thorax shows yellow patches just at the back of the head.
The legs are reddish, the antennae are long with a curved tip. The wings are ochre and aligned over the body when at rest.