European Hornet

I'm not quite sure what this hornet was doing but it kept returning to this particular patch of mud. I thought it may just be drinking the moisture on the surface after the rain but there were plenty of puddles.

[GaryW]

It looks fierce!

[Jesika]

Probably thirsty in the recent heat, insects drink water as well as get nutrients from soil and other sources(!)
Beautiful insect

[Bep]

Wonderful macro.

[Milanie]

Really nice close-up

[Rick]

Great capture.

[haskar]

Great close up.