Determination of some structural features of the nest paper materials ofDolichovespula SaxonicaFabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Vespinae) in Turkey

The purpose of this paper is to identify the nest materials, some physical characteristics and the elemental composition of the nest of Dolichovespula saxonica (Fabricius, 1793). The nest surfaces were observed with a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the inner surface of the D. saxonica nest the medium thickness of the fibers in the envelope and comb varied between 7.14 and 26.9 μm, respectively and averaged 16.4 μm. In the outer surface of the nest the medium thickness of the fibers in the envelope and comb were between 3.52 and 5.70 μm, respectively and averaged 4.63 μm. The nitrogen concentration of the nest of D. saxonica was 0.616% and the amount of protein was 3.08%. The percentages of the fibers, saliva, oil and the water absorption capacity were calculated as 67–70%, 23–30%, 12–18% and 110–140%, respectively. However, the amount of the element Cadmium (Cd) in the nest was found to have a value of 0.2 ppm. The major compounds of wasp nests are plant fibers, saliva and oil. However, the concentrations and ratios of the nest material compounds depend on the plant variety, place of origin, and time of harvest as well as on the processing and saliva conditions. The colors of the nest are beige, cream and grey with long dark brown lines. As a result of our study, we have found that the rates and quantities of physical characteristics, elemental composition and the fibers in the envelope and comb of the nest of D. saxonica change with environmental conditions.