Wintering Wasps
It seems to be a common experience that the number of queen wasps is abnormal is spite of the fewness of nests. Those who have scientifically studied the ways of this insect are less surprised than others. As soon as autumn is felt the nest is used almost wholly for the production of queens and, in smaller quantity, of males. One student who wrote a little treatise on " Waspers " counted the exact numbers in a late nest; and found well over 300 queens. This is probably a more or less average production. I do not know any device of nature's for ensuring the life of a species which is more specific. On the whole the wasp is a successful hibernator, except when she chooses a house. Any premature awakening, as from the heat of a room, is wont to be fatal. I have most often found the queens under the bark of old or felled trees, especially elms, but any snug crevice serves. Several accounts have come to me of hornets (which seem to be on the increase) seeking a winter home in the house, a preference shared by tortoiseshell butterflies and ladybirds.
Previous page
