Tag: paper

Wasps creating colored nests when given construction paper by amateur zoologist
Mattia Menchetti.
Menchetti gradually introduced a variety of coloured paper to this European wasp colony

at let them create this vibrant nests.

Today the Department of Phenomenal Papercraft delves into the world of entomological
artwork. Paper wasps gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems and
mix them with their saliva to create a gray or brown papery material
which they use to construct their water-resistant nests. When Italian biological science student Mattia Menchetti provided a captive colony of European paper wasps with colored paper, the insects created awesomely colorful nests.

“He started by feeding his captive wasps yellow paper,
and then gradually began introducing more shades. The insects soon
created a technicolor home for their larvae. In addition to making for
some unusual eye candy, the nest is sturdy as well. A protein in the
saliva of European paper wasps is so effective in making their nests
waterproof that it’s been used by scientists for a biodegradable drone.”

Visit Mattia Menchetti’s website to check out more of his research projects. (by mental_floss)