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Bald-faced Hornets - Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets collect cellulose from rotting wood, chew it up, add some saliva, and then use this wood/spit concoction to build a nest.
They are valuable predators of flies, caterpillars, and other agricultural pests, in addition to being competent pollinators.
However, they are extremely aggressive in their defense of their nests. Their aggression makes them a threat to people and animals who may wander too close to a nest (even within several feet). They will VIGOROUSLY defend their nest - with workers stinging repeatedly. Bald-faced Hornets have smooth stingers, so they can easily sting numerous times without a problem. In addition, the bald-faced hornet has a unique defense mechanism where it can actually SQUIRT venom from their stingers. They will squirt the venom into the eyes of potential intruders. The venom causes immediate watering of the eyes and temporary blindness.
Habitat: The roof of a bird blind
"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.
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