(European) Hornet Vespa crabro

Hornet
Hornet
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.
Hornet
Hornet
Hornet
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' nest
when shall we three meet again?
Hornet
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 hive Honey Bees on the hive can fight off the thieving wasps
Hornet on hive But they have little defence against the Hornets
Hornet downs bee The big Hornet picks off and downs an isolated bee
Hornet eats honey bee
Hornet eats Honey Bee
Hornet eyes up honey bees
Hornet and honey bee hive
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
Hornet catches honey bee
other bees try to fight hornet off
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.
Hornet catches honey bee
Hornet catches honey bee
Hornet takes honey bee