Hornet's Nest

Several weeks ago I posted an update on Bald-faced Hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) and described how they are known for their large "paper" nests and their defensive behavior to protect the nest. I found a hornet's nest in one of our overgrown fields and decided to take a closer look.



As I started to remove goldenrod and small brush in front of the hornet's nest, several hornet's started to appear at the entrance to the nest. After some cold mornings this week I had assumed the hornets would be inactive. They were slow, but not inactive. One of the hornets started to buzz me after I overstayed my welcome.



A close-up view of the hornet's face.

Bald-faced Hornet

The goldenrod is in full bloom in the neighborhood and buzzing with insects looking for nectar. While photographing some honey bees at work in the goldenrod, I cam across this Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) covered with goldenrod pollen.



The North American bald-faced hornet goes by several common names, such as bald hornet, white-faced hornet, white-tailed hornet, blackjacket or bull wasp, but actualy belongs to a genus of yellowjackets.



Bald-faced hornets are known for their large "paper" nests and their defensive behavior to protect the nest.

The Sting

Earlier this week I noticed a hornet's nest had been built in the corner of garage door. We were busy working on another project and didn't have time to remove the nest but I did point out the nest location to Mary, since this is where she stores her lawn mower.



The nest was built by bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) which are known to aggressively attack with little provocation, a fact that Mary learned a few days later.