Hornet nests are examples of natural engineering, showcasing intricate designs and efficient construction. They are carefully built environments that support the entire colony’s growth and survival. Understanding how hornets create and inhabit these nests reveals insights into their collective behavior and adaptability.
The Papery Substance
Hornet nests are composed of a paper-like material hornets create. They collect wood fibers from sources such as dead wood, fences, and paper products. Hornets chew these wood fibers into a pulp. This pulp is then mixed with saliva, forming a paste. Upon drying, this paste hardens into a durable material that provides the nest with strength and insulation, protecting the colony.
Construction Steps
Nest construction begins in spring with a single queen. She selects a suitable location and starts building a small, initial nest, often the size of a tennis ball. This initial structure typically includes the first few cells where she lays her eggs. Once her first offspring emerge as workers, they assume the primary roles of expanding and maintaining the nest.
Worker hornets collect wood fibers and mix them with saliva for building material. They apply this paste in thin layers, shaping the outer shell and internal combs. The nest grows as new layers are added to the exterior and new combs are built inside. This division of labor allows for rapid expansion of the colony throughout the season.
Inside the Hornet Home
The internal architecture of a hornet nest is organized and functional. Most nests feature a multi-layered structure, often appearing spherical or egg-shaped from the outside. Within this outer casing, the nest contains several tiers of horizontal combs. These combs are made up of hexagonal cells.
The hexagonal shape of these cells is efficient, allowing for maximum use of space with minimal building material. These cells serve as chambers for raising young, where eggs are laid and larvae develop. The nest typically has a single entrance hole, which helps with protection and climate control. The multi-layered walls and spaces between combs contribute to the nest’s insulation and ventilation, maintaining stable conditions for the colony.
Common Nesting Sites
Hornets choose nesting locations based on species and environmental factors. Many species, like the bald-faced hornet, construct aerial nests that often hang from tree branches, shrubs, or building overhangs and eaves. These exposed locations provide protection. Other species, such as European hornets, prefer more concealed and sheltered areas.
These hidden sites can include wall voids, attics, sheds, or hollow trees. While less common for hornets, some species may also build nests close to or within the ground, sometimes utilizing abandoned rodent burrows. The choice of nesting site helps protect the colony and its developing brood.