Hornet nests are remarkable structures, representing a fascinating feat of natural engineering. These are complex environments supporting entire colonies. Understanding how hornets construct these dwellings and what materials they employ reveals their impressive capabilities.
The Master Architects: Who Builds the Nest?
The construction of a hornet’s nest begins with a single queen in the spring, emerging from hibernation to establish a new colony. She is solely responsible for initiating the nest, selecting a suitable location, and laying the first batch of eggs. Once her first offspring, sterile female workers, mature, they take over most nest-building and foraging duties. This division of labor allows the colony to expand rapidly, with the queen focusing on egg-laying for colony growth.
Nature’s Paper: Materials and Process
Hornets construct their nests from a unique paper-like material they produce themselves. They gather wood fiber by chewing on cellulose sources like dead wood, fences, or outdoor furniture. Hornets mix these chewed fibers with their saliva, creating a pulp. This mixture is regurgitated and applied in thin layers, which dry to form the nest’s paper-like structure. Varying wood sources often result in different colors within the nest, creating a striped appearance.
From Foundation to Fortress: Stages of Nest Construction
The nest-building process starts with the queen constructing a small initial comb of hexagonal cells. This structure is anchored by a stalk-like pedicel to a secure surface. Around this comb, the queen builds a protective outer envelope, providing insulation and defense for the developing brood.
As the first worker hornets emerge, they assume the task of expanding the nest. Workers add new hexagonal cells, often in multiple tiers, expanding the comb downwards as the colony grows. They also enlarge and add concentric layers to the outer paper envelope. This addition of layers creates a robust, multi-layered shell that protects the colony from elements like wind, rain, and hail.
Throughout the expansion, workers maintain a single entrance hole, usually at the bottom of the nest. They also manage internal conditions, with some hornets fanning their wings at the entrance to regulate temperature and ventilate the structure. The nest grows substantially, reaching peak size, sometimes up to 700 workers, by late summer.
Where Nests Are Found
Hornets select nesting sites that offer protection and stability for their growing colonies. Many species build aerial nests, attached to tree branches, shrubs, or building eaves. These elevated locations provide safety from ground predators and environmental disturbances. Other hornet species may choose more secluded or enclosed spaces for their nests. These can include hollow trees, wall voids, attics, sheds, or underground in old animal burrows. The specific choice of location depends on the hornet species, with some preferring open-air structures and others opting for hidden cavities.