I spotted these natural wasp nests while in Savannah and just had to have them. They were quite delicate, so I had them shipped in mass from my fave The Paris Market to my door.
For months, they stayed packaged in a closet until recently when each ended up in my favorite English oak bowl on the parlor mantle.
Isn't it amazing how such annoying creatures construct something so intricate and interesting?
The nests of some social wasps, such as hornets, are first constructed by the queen and reach about the size of a walnut before sterile female workers take over construction. The queen initially starts the nest by making a single layer or canopy and working outwards until she reaches the edges of the cavity. Beneath the canopy she constructs a stalk to which she can attach several cells; these cells are where the first eggs will be laid. The queen then continues to work outwards to the edges of the cavity after which she adds another tier. This process is repeated, each time adding a new tier until eventually enough female workers have been born and matured to take over construction of the nest leaving the queen to focus on reproduction. For this reason, the size of a nest is generally a good indicator of approximately how many female workers there are in the colony. Some hornets' nests eventually grow to be more than 50 centimetres (20 in) across. Social wasp colonies of this size often have populations of between three and ten thousand female workers, although a small proportion of nests are over 90 centimetres (3 ft) across and potentially contain upwards of twenty thousand workers and at least one queen. Nests close to one another at the beginning of the year have been observed to grow quickly and merge, and these structures can contain tens of thousands of workers. Some related types of paper wasp do not construct their nests in tiers but rather in flat single combs.
The nests of some social wasps, such as hornets, are first constructed by the queen and reach about the size of a walnut before sterile female workers take over construction. The queen initially starts the nest by making a single layer or canopy and working outwards until she reaches the edges of the cavity. Beneath the canopy she constructs a stalk to which she can attach several cells; these cells are where the first eggs will be laid. The queen then continues to work outwards to the edges of the cavity after which she adds another tier. This process is repeated, each time adding a new tier until eventually enough female workers have been born and matured to take over construction of the nest leaving the queen to focus on reproduction. For this reason, the size of a nest is generally a good indicator of approximately how many female workers there are in the colony. Some hornets' nests eventually grow to be more than 50 centimetres (20 in) across. Social wasp colonies of this size often have populations of between three and ten thousand female workers, although a small proportion of nests are over 90 centimetres (3 ft) across and potentially contain upwards of twenty thousand workers and at least one queen. Nests close to one another at the beginning of the year have been observed to grow quickly and merge, and these structures can contain tens of thousands of workers. Some related types of paper wasp do not construct their nests in tiers but rather in flat single combs.
Do you use natural elements in your decor? If so, what are your favorites?
Wasp nests, y'all!
i'm kicking myself because I missed going to the paris market when we were in savannah last month. i didnt realize they have an online shop now. good to know! thanks for that tip.
ReplyDeleteI also love natural elements in decorating. I think God is pretty much the best designer out there! Ralph Lauren is a close 2nd!) I have a tiny wasp nest, but love the look of your group of nests together. That Paris Market blows me away every time I see it!
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing - I remember the best summer afternoon, sitting on my Grandmother's porch in a metal glider with my cousin, and being chased by wasps! It was terrifying and exciting at the same time. Your nests just made me think of it!
Love this idea Ron, thanks for sharing it! BTW where oh where did you get the crane figurines? The are simply divine.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw these in Paris Market I KNEW either you or Sister would pick them up :-) Look fabulous, of course. xoxooxo
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Ron! Wow, I love your vignette with the cranes and the wasps nests in your English oak bowl with the starfish shells in the clam shell. I would never have thought of using wasps nests that way; in fact, I wouldn't have thought to use wasps nests at all! ;) Leave it to you to find the beauty of the nests and display them on your mantle in the parlor. Have a great day! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo unique, I love it!! Love using natural elements in home decor. And, those cranes are to die for. Just received my giant Wisteria clam shell...the birthday continues! LOL
ReplyDeleteYour decorations are perfect for where you are located! I love using natural objects whenever I am able, usually in the fresh fruit and vegetable category.
ReplyDeleteVery unique Ron... they look great in your English oak bowl! My favorite natural element that I love using are nests. Enjoy the rest of your week :-)
ReplyDeleteI think their so interesting Ron, a conversation starter for sure!
ReplyDeleteNature is truly amazing isn't it? I love learning about all creations.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to be back and able to visit! :)
xo
Pat
They creep me out a little bit, but I must say they look amazing in that bowl on your mantel! You really do have the decorating touch!
ReplyDeleteThey look great!! The beekeeper in me loves them :)!
ReplyDeleteThey look good grouped together in your wooden bowl. I have an old hornets nest that I used to have out on display. I agree it's interesting to see what nature has built.
ReplyDeleteWonderful look, Ron. Love that store, too! I had a small collection of wasp nests that I saved when I knocked them down myself. I put them away some time ago, but you have reminded me that I'd like to use them again. Like you, I find using natural, organic finds add interest and texture. Great look to have these in the wooden bowl.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWow, Ron, that's a good look! The texture is awesome; and the bowl is perfect for them. Dear Hubby knocked some down at one of our rental properties. Wish I had thought to keep them!
ReplyDeleteI had an interesting multi layered one I kept around that fell from the tree out back. I eventually tossed it out. I never imagined using it like you have. They look neat on the mantel.
ReplyDelete