Paper Wasp Nest Observation

Occurred on July 25, 2018 / Dohr, Germany

Info from Licensor: "Watching activity at paper wasp nest.

I am Lothar Lenz, a nature photographer with heart and soul, and I am lucky enough to live in a small cul-de-sac village in the Eifel - surrounded by fields, forests and stream valleys, just a stone's throw from the Moselle valley. Here I can experience nature in all its diversity and observe some of the most fascinating animals right on my doorstep: Black storks, wildcats and eagle owls are my permanent neighbors. In summer, my garden is full of hornets and wasps, which I capture with my camera, whether in impressive close-ups or exciting video sequences. This closeness to nature inspires me every day and drives me to capture the beauty and uniqueness of our environment in my photographs. My desire is to inspire and motivate others to get involved in protecting this wonderful world - be it in distant regions or right on their own doorstep.

The arrival and departure at a field wasp nest located at the end of a horizontal metal pipe is a fascinating spectacle. Field wasps approach the nest with a targeted flight. Shortly before reaching the pipe, they slow down and often perform short hovering maneuvers to adjust their position. They visually orient themselves using distinctive features of the nest or the surrounding environment. The horizontal pipe serves as a tunnel, which the wasps deliberately fly into, adjusting their speed to avoid collisions. They are capable of precise navigation, even in confined spaces. Occasionally, several wasps arrive at the entrance simultaneously. They briefly communicate with their antennae before entering the nest, preventing conflicts and ensuring smooth operations.
During their flights to the nest, the wasps carry various materials and resources. They transport a food pulp made of chewed prey to feed the larvae. This protein-rich nourishment is essential for the growth of their offspring. Additionally, they bring building materials such as wood fibers or plant remnants, which they chew and mix with their saliva to create a paper-like substance. This material is used to expand existing cells or construct new ones for the nest.
When departing, field wasps launch from the nest and accelerate quickly. They visually orient themselves to locate the pipe’s exit. After leaving the pipe, they transition into free flight. The wasps either fly directly to a destination, such as a food source, or perform short circular flights to verify their position. Young wasps or those learning a new flight route often execute these orientation flights, consisting of small, spiral-like circles that gradually expand.
The pipe provides unique conditions for the wasps. It shields them from wind and direct weather, facilitating takeoffs and landings. Movements in or around the pipe can generate sound and vibration signals, which the wasps perceive. They are sensitive to disturbances and may interrupt their approach if the pipe is unsettled. Metal pipes can also heat up under sunlight, potentially affecting flight behavior, as wasps tend to avoid extreme temperatures. The behavior of field wasps illustrates their remarkable adaptability and precision, enabling them to navigate and communicate effectively in a complex environment."