Bald-faced hornet nest
Dolichovespula maculate
35.9132, -79.0558
Field Notes
Description:
These insects are best known for their large football-shaped paper nest, which they build in the spring for raising their young. These nests can sometimes reach 3 feet in height. Bald-faced hornets are protective of their nests and the females' defend them with repeated stings. They are more aggressive than yellowjackets and members of the Vespa genus, and it is not considered safe to approach the nest for observation purposes. The bald-faced hornet will aggressively attack with little provocation.
Habitat:
Mason Farm Biological Reserve
Notes:
The nest was very high in a tree quite some way from the path. Because the trees are losing their foliage, it was very visible now. By cropping one photo, I finally got a (fuzzy but identifiable) shot of a resident and could identify the species.
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