Keystone-like crystals in cells of hornet combs

The hexagonal brood-rearing cell inside the nest combs of the hornet Vespa orientalis are uniform in both their architecture and orientation. We have discovered that each cell contains a minute crystal that projects down from the centre of its domed roof and has a composition typical of the magnetic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature (London) 2001-06, Vol.411 (6838), p.654-654
Main Authors: STOKROOS, Ietse, LITINETSKY, Luba, VAN DER WANT, Johannes J. L, ISHAY, Jacob S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Keystone-like crystals
magnetic minerals
Protozoa. Invertebrata
Vespa orientalis
Vespidae
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Summary:The hexagonal brood-rearing cell inside the nest combs of the hornet Vespa orientalis are uniform in both their architecture and orientation. We have discovered that each cell contains a minute crystal that projects down from the centre of its domed roof and has a composition typical of the magnetic mineral ilmenite. These tiny crystals form a network that may act like a surveyor's spirit-level, helping the hornets to assess the symmetry and balance of the cells and the direction of gravity while they are building the comb.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/35079679