The Hornet, also called the European Hornet to distinguish from other world species, is prevalent through most of Europe and north-western Asia
and is the largest social wasp in its region.
Queens, males and workers have a similar dark reddish brown colouring with yellow, but queens are larger, reaching 1-2 inches in length.
Hornets are larger and browner than Common Wasps. Despite their reputation,
they are aggressive only if they feel threatened. They can summon other Hornets to the threat using pheromones.
Hornets usually nest in holes in trees - the proverbial "hornets' nest" above. (Centre, to quote Shakespeare: "When shall we three meet again?")
Also see link below for indoor nest.
Honey Bees on the hive can fight off the thieving wasps
But they have little defence against the Hornets
The big Hornet picks off and downs an isolated bee
Hornet eats Honey Bee
Hornet eyes up Honey Bees on hive - this sequence of photos is poor quality as they are frames from a video.
Hornet catches Honey Bee - one of several hornets which took bees in a single hour - this sequence of photos is poor quality as they are frames from a video.