Paper produced for nest-building: hornets

1 of 1 Close-up of paper wasp nest / Harry Ruther.. / License

The nests of Vespa hornets are made out of a paper substance produced from the mixture of saliva with wood pulp.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

New methods for processing cellulose.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The powerful mandibles of the hornet are…used to cut and chew wood to make its nest. Wood pulp is mixed with saliva and converted by the hornet into a paper substance from which an elaborate tiered nest is made which may house thousands of individuals." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:159)

About the inspiring organism

Vespa
Vespa

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: New methods for processing cellulose.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Biofuels, paper

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Paper produced for nest-building: hornets

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