While my hive is not producing any honey, I thought all you beekeepers would appreciate the beauty of this nest. It is so amazing to get up close views of insects in motion! I have properly identified these wasps hanging in the trees by my home and may I present the Bald-faced Hornet. Dolichovespula maculata!
This black-and-white relative of the yellow jacket gets its common name from its largely black color, but mostly white face. It also has easily identifiable white markings on the tip of the abdomen. Its habitat is the aerial nest pictured here and at peak can contain 100 - 400 members.
These hornets are quite aggressive in nature and it is said that they will attack anyone or anything that invades their space. With their stingers being smooth, they have the ability to sting repeatedly. Their stings contain venom, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching for about 24 hours. I eagerly wait with anticipation!
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| Bald-faced Hornets Nest Sue, I think my queen needs a name! |
Happy Gardening,
Denise, Beds 25 & 29
2 comments:
Are you going to leave it be? I usually leave mine if they aren't in an area where I will accidentally disturb them.
It was only about 10 feet off the ground so the neighborhood association wanted it down. They actually brought in a pro so no one would get hurt! How thoughtful!
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