As the snow of winter in Nova Scotia starts to melt away, researchers at Dalhousie University are urging the public to be on the lookout for abandoned paper wasp nests.
The team is gathering these nests from various locations across the province to examine them for traces of heavy metal pollution. Carlie Ashton, an undergraduate student in environmental science at Dal’s agricultural campus in Bible Hill, is spearheading this investigation as part of her honours project.
According to Ashton, the two species under scrutiny, aerial yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets, construct their nests by gathering wood or plant fibers from their surroundings. They chew these materials to create a pulpy substance that forms the nest structure.
Anticipating their findings, Ashton speculates that nests in urban settings are likely to exhibit higher levels of copper and chromium contamination – common wood preservatives – compared to nests in rural areas. She explains that wasps in urban areas may be using materials like deck wood that contain these preservatives, whereas those in rural regions might stick to natural sources like trees.
If you come across an abandoned nest, Ashton encourages you to reach out to contribute it to the study. During this time of the year, nests are deserted as the cold weather causes the wasps to perish, while mated queens seek refuge elsewhere, such as under tree bark or in logs, woodpiles, or leaf litter.
These nests, often found in barns, sheds, or trees, are essential for Ashton’s research, even if they show signs of wear and tear after winter. She plans to gather all specimens by May, just as the wasps commence building new nests.
Despite similar studies on other species worldwide, Ashton highlights that research on aerial yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets in Canada is limited. Her project aims to determine if these wasps can serve as indicators of heavy metal concentrations.
Assistant professor Paul Manning, one of Ashton’s project supervisors, emphasizes that understanding the presence and levels of contaminants can provide insight into the challenges faced by these insects. He points out the various stressors, such as habitat loss and pesticides, contributing to the global decline in insect populations.
While the primary focus is not on the effects of contamination on the wasps, previous research suggests that copper exposure can impact their lifespan and reproductive capacities. Manning notes potential consequences like reduced male reproductive abilities and impaired egg-laying by queens.
By shedding light on the environmental pressures faced by these insects, this research aims to contribute to conservation efforts and better understand the impacts of human activities on insect populations.
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