Hobbies And Interests
Nests
Hornet nests consist of a paperlike substance derived from wood pulp acquired from boards and other wood-based material and saliva. The construction of hornet nests begins with the queen hornets; the nests are built to accommodate their eggs. Initially, a cell is created to hold a single egg. The queen methodically constructs a comb to build herself out. Tiers are added to the nest by worker hornets thereafter. Nests frequently are found hanging in trees and on the sides of buildings within various environments including urban areas, farmlands, parklands, brownfield sites, woodlands and forests.
Urban Areas
Urban habitats are environments predominately driven by human activities and construction. These habitats encompass cities, towns and peripherally related landscapes, such as landfills. Hornets and other animals adapt to the urban settings, capitalizing on the abundance of food sources and heat.
Farmlands
Farmland is a patchwork of natural fields that have been fundamentally altered for agricultural purposes. Because farmland is heavily managed, these areas historically have seen a steady decline of habitation by numerous species of animals, including hornets. However, restorative measures have been incorporated back into many farmlands, such as adding ponds and meadows to rejuvenate a natural balance of wildlife and industry.
Brownfield Sites
Brownfield sites are abandoned commercial or industrial landscapes--including areas of defunct railway lines and factories. Because the sites no longer have human activity, a variety of insect and animal species, such as hornets, move in and stake a claim to the environment.
Parklands
Parklands are managed small-scale open grasslands, with a dispersal of mature trees. Varying greatly in size and plant life, parklands are maintained by private and public organizations. These areas are homes to a wide array of insects, including hornets.
Woodlands and Forests
Hornets are found in many woodlands and forests, such as oakwoods, broadleaf forests and coniferous forests.
Oak woods are natural landscapes heavily dominated by birch, rowan, holly and oak trees. Wildflowers and wood anemones are prevalent in the spring. Broadleaf forests consist of highly diverse wide-leaved vegetation, such as maple, oak and laurel trees, and other deciduous trees and dense undergrowth. Coniferous forests primarily showcase cone-bearing, scale or needle-leaved, evergreen trees, such as pine and larch, with sporadic occurrences of broad-leaf trees.