APRIL 2018 • NEBRASKAland 25
they also hunt for insects, such as
caterpillars, to bring back to their
growing larvae. As the larvae grow
and the colony expands, the adult
paper wasps will increase the size
of their nests. You can find these
nests on window sills, the eaves of
houses and other sheltered areas.
...............................
Within the animal kingdom there
are dozens of other animal architects,
from bald eagles, which build massive,
heavy nests, to the small, circular
beds of bluegills; from leafcutter ants
that construct enormous underground
tunnels to termites that can build a
26-foot-high tower with a ventilation
system.
Some animals are content with
finding previously used homes, but
others demand nothing but the finest
accommodations. These are our animal
architects. ■
Monica
Macoubrie is
an outdoor
educator for the
Commission. This
is her second
appearance in
NEBRASKAland
Magazine.
This is a cross section of a prairie dog town, which consists of multiple chambers that make up this tunnel network. Prairie
dogs are considered a keystone species as their colonies create habitats for approximately 150 other species including snakes,
burrowing owls and salamanders.
A paper wasp nest is usually built from a single central stalk, and tends to have the
shape of an upside down umbrella. Paper wasps will build these nests out of plant
material and mix it with their saliva. When this material dries it will then become thin
and film-like, giving the appearance of a paper-like material. Normally colonies of up to
several dozen wasps inhabit the nest.
ILLUSTRATION
BY
TIM
REIGERT
toilet chamber
food
cache
bedroom
chamber
bedroom
chamber
nursery
chamber
listening
chamber
raised
burrow/
main
entrance
other
entrance/
exit
(vent)
other
entrance/
exit
(vent)
other
entrance/
exit
(vent)
plugged
emergency
exit
turnaround
chamber
