Bald-faced Hornet nests (Dolichovespula maculata)

Delicate pieces of wasp nests which had fallen from treetops in a dense mixed hardwood/coniferous forest in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. These nests can be differentiated from other wasp nests as Dolichovespula maculata is the only species which builds an entrance tube.

EDIT:
I recently learned that these are actually aborted "queen nests." These are a result of queens being predated or meeting an untimely death. These tattered nests were likely destroyed in their early stages via predation.

comments (13)

Christine Young

Lion

Great shots :) Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, twinsie! <3 Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Did I stumble upon an internal joke or nickname? Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Haha, you certainly did Ferdy - Lisa and I are kindred spirits to the point that we joke that we could be twins...hence "twinsie", lol. Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        I'd make that triplets, by including @morpheme. It's staggering how much in common the three of you have: extremely thorough observations of all things living with a focus on fungi and plants, a community mindset, the background in biology to describe it all accurately, and the excitement and education that you're spreading.
        
        The 3 of you are responsible for most US observations and the level in which it is done is mind blowing and an inspiration.
        
        I'm thankful and bow to these power girls. Posted 7 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Ahem, power “women” Posted 7 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        See, this was a major gamble, both terms could be perceived as insulting. And I picked wrong, but you know I mean well...I hope ;) Posted 7 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Lol, no insult...It’s just fun to tease you :). I couldn’t resist! Posted 7 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Many people agree that this is fun. Posted 7 years ago
        
        Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        No offense taken! ;) And, yes, Christine and I are "sisters from different Misters!" Does that make sense?
        
        And I'm so honored that you feel that way! Posted 7 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Lol, yes that makes sense. And it is me that is honored. It's a giant effort to capture, share and explain natural observations that most people would just rush by. Doing all this and sharing it here for free for others to enjoy is a good deed. And this platform runs on good deeds. Posted 7 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        You’re very kind Ferdy :) Posted 7 years ago
  3. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome and thanks for the heads up! Posted 7 years ago

The Bald-faced hornet

"Dolichovespula maculata" is a North American wasp commonly called the bald-faced hornet, bald hornet, white-faced hornet, white-tailed hornet, blackjacket or bull wasp. Its well-known features include its hanging paper nests and the females' habit of defending them with repeated stings.

Info 19 0

Similar species: Wasps, Bees, Sawflies And Ants

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling