The nest of the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), also known as the "murder hornet," is an intricate structure built to house the colony. Here’s a breakdown of its anatomy:
1. Location of the Nest
Asian Giant Hornets typically build their nests in concealed, low-to-the-ground areas, such as:
Underground burrows (e.g., abandoned rodent holes).
Hollow tree trunks or stumps.
Sometimes in dense vegetation or crevices.
2. Structure of the Nest
Outer Envelope:
A protective layer made from chewed wood fibers and saliva, forming a papery covering. This shields the inner layers from environmental factors like rain or predators.
Comb Layers (Brood Chambers):
The nest contains multiple tiers of hexagonal combs where eggs are laid and larvae develop. These combs are horizontally stacked and connected by a central support column.
Central Support Column:
A sturdy structure that holds the comb layers together and ensures stability within the nest.
3. Nest Size
The nest grows over time as the colony expands. It can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) in height and 40 cm (16 inches) in diameter at peak population.
4. Inhabitants
Queen Chamber:
A specialized section in the nest for the queen, located near the center for maximum protection.
Worker Areas:
Workers tend to inhabit the outer and middle layers of the comb to maintain and defend the nest.
Larvae Chambers:
Larvae are housed in individual hexagonal cells in the combs. Workers regularly feed them a protein-rich diet.
5. Air Ventilation
The nest’s design includes small openings or porous sections for ventilation, ensuring proper airflow to regulate temperature and humidity.
6. Defense Mechanisms
Hornets guard the nest entrance and patrol its immediate surroundings.
The structure is built in hidden or hard-to-reach locations to minimize discovery by predators or humans.
1. Location of the Nest
Asian Giant Hornets typically build their nests in concealed, low-to-the-ground areas, such as:
Underground burrows (e.g., abandoned rodent holes).
Hollow tree trunks or stumps.
Sometimes in dense vegetation or crevices.
2. Structure of the Nest
Outer Envelope:
A protective layer made from chewed wood fibers and saliva, forming a papery covering. This shields the inner layers from environmental factors like rain or predators.
Comb Layers (Brood Chambers):
The nest contains multiple tiers of hexagonal combs where eggs are laid and larvae develop. These combs are horizontally stacked and connected by a central support column.
Central Support Column:
A sturdy structure that holds the comb layers together and ensures stability within the nest.
3. Nest Size
The nest grows over time as the colony expands. It can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) in height and 40 cm (16 inches) in diameter at peak population.
4. Inhabitants
Queen Chamber:
A specialized section in the nest for the queen, located near the center for maximum protection.
Worker Areas:
Workers tend to inhabit the outer and middle layers of the comb to maintain and defend the nest.
Larvae Chambers:
Larvae are housed in individual hexagonal cells in the combs. Workers regularly feed them a protein-rich diet.
5. Air Ventilation
The nest’s design includes small openings or porous sections for ventilation, ensuring proper airflow to regulate temperature and humidity.
6. Defense Mechanisms
Hornets guard the nest entrance and patrol its immediate surroundings.
The structure is built in hidden or hard-to-reach locations to minimize discovery by predators or humans.
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Animals