EUROPEAN HORNET
I have seen these menacing looking critters from time to time. They look like big bees about 1 1/2" / 38+ mm. Coming out my door I spotted this guy on my garbage can lid. It was just sitting there a bit immobile from cooler temperature.
Auto focus camera doesn't do a good job on the close ups.
The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) was brought to the United States in the 1800's and is the only true Hornet that is here. Hornets are a sub-species of the Wasp family in which there are over 100,000 species.
They will sting if threatened or stepped on. The pain from a sting can last for days but only needs medical attention unless allergic. Unlike bees they can sting multiple times.
These guys are carnivorous, feeding on large insects as well as fallen fruit and tree sap. Often times ringing a tree branch and killing it.
Here are some better pictures off the internet.
.
sources .... wikipedia, diffen.com, duckduckgo.com
That last image is....very brave
I know how much those fricking things hurt! @manorvillemike
We have ones that take cicadas and bury them, they are massive and terrifying.
They must pack a heck of a sting.
@manorvillemike
my cousin got stung by one and said it was like being hit by a baseball bat.
OMG~!! That last image is brave!
Spot on to that crazy man!
5 minutes later.
OMG!! LOLOL