European paper wasp - how the nest is made.

Queen wasp sits atop her throne - a small open-faced nest that she has been building.

It's spring, and nest building has begun in earnest, not just for birds, but for insects of all types.  Included in this throng are the Hymenoptera - and more specifically, the Vespids.  Vespidae are the paper-wasps, so called because they construct nests out of chewed-up wood pulp that they turn into "paper."

The formulation of the substance nests are constructed of is simple.  Wood pulp, from dead trees or wood from boards (fence boards are a favourite), is created by using the hardened jaws to shred small amounts of fiber.  It is mixed with the wasps' saliva creating a fluid-like pulp akin to papier-mache.  It is then applied to a surface and shaped, where it will dry and harden.

The thing that makes this work is the saliva.  It is rich in proteins, specifically proline, which acts as a binding agent.  The saliva/fiber mixture is applied in thin layers and dries quickly, ready to take the next layer.  Once hardened, the material is somewhat weather-resistant and able to get wet without disintegrating.  

I have seen paper nests hanging in trees that overwinter well and even put up with harsh winds and rain.  The fact that the cells are hexagonal is another marvel - the shape is strong, especially given what it is made of.

The queen will create a small nest, lay eggs, and tend the growing larvae until they mature into workers.  Then they will take over nest construction and feeding while the queen gets into the business of egg-laying.  

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com