Nest Architecture Research Articles

Ecology and life history predict avian nest success in the global tropics

Nest predation rates critically influence avian biodiversity and evolution. In the north temperate zone, increased nest failure along edges of forest fragments is hypothesized to play a major role in the disappearance of bird species from disturbed landscapes. However, we lack comprehensive syntheses from tropical latitudes, where biodiversity is highest and increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation and disturbance. We assembled data from five decades of field studies across the global tropics (1,112 populations of 661 species) and used phylogenetic models to evaluate proposed predictors of nest success. We found significant effects of several traits, including adult body mass and nest architecture. Contrary to results from many temperate locations, anthropogenic habitat disruption did not consistently reduce nest success; in fact, raw nest success rates were lower in large tracts of primary forest than in disturbed or fragmented landscapes. Follow-up analyses within species, using a subset of 76 species for which we had estimates of nest survival in habitats with different levels of disruption, confirmed that neither disturbance nor fragmentation significantly influenced nest success. These results suggest that nest predation alone cannot explain observed declines in avian biodiversity in tropical forest fragments, raising new questions about the demographic processes that drive extinction in the tropics.

Bird’s nest inspired aerogels towards ultrahigh strength and robust flame retardancy at extreme environment

The mechanical properties of aerogels remain a critical concern for their application. Inspired from the hierarchical architecture of bird's nests, we have designed an effective biomimetic hybrid strategy for creating an aerogel with ultrahigh strength and robust flame retardancy. The super-molecular micro- to nanofibrils formed by boric acid and melamine act as “twigs” while a small part of biobased polysaccharide agar serves as “glue”. Via the water as the solvent and an eco-friendly freeze-drying method, the obtained boric acid-melamine/agar (BMA) aerogel with a low density (0.0760 g/cm3) exhibited exceptional high compressive strength, reaching up to 3.92 MPa at 80% strain. A piece of the BMA aerogel with 10 cm2 can resist a motorcycle (150 kg) easily without any deformation. Additionally, the BMA aerogel demonstrated outstanding inherent flame retardant property (achieving UL-94 V-0 rating with relatively low the heat release, total heat release and CO release rate values) as well as superior thermal insulating properties (with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.0364 W/m⋅K). Given the distinctive mechanical properties and excellent other properties, the BMA aerogels hold great promise for potential promise in energy-saving and thermal protection applications. and the superior stiffness mechanism behind this performance is also analyzed.

Two new species of the genus Quindina Roewer, 1914 (Opiliones: Nomoclastidae) from Colombia: phylogenetic relationships and notes on their nest architecture

ABSTRACT Quindina Roewer, 1914 is a nomoclastid genus with 11 described species behaviourally characterised by its remarkable nest-building behaviour. In this paper we describe two new Colombian species of the genus from the western range of the Northern Andes, based on genital morphology and external characters. In addition, we explore their phylogenetic relationships using a phenotypic matrix with 96 characters, three newly proposed, and 55 terminals including all described species of Quindina and a wide outgroup sample across the suborder Laniatores. Quindina sanantonio sp. n. (type locality: Valle del Cauca, Santiago de Cali, San Antonio Forest) can be diagnosed by having two olive-green patches behind the ocularium and on the lateral portion of areas II and III, connected on the posterior margin of area III. Quindina horologium sp. n. (type locality: Risaralda, Santuario, Planes de San Rafael) can be diagnosed by having an hourglass-shaped dorsal pattern, beginning as two emerald-green patches next to the ocularium and continuing to the posterior margin of area III. Both species build nests without walls on the underside of leaves (ie flattened nest type), a previously unknown nest architecture for the genus. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Quindina. The two new species, herein described, were recovered as basally branching within the genus. The inferred ancestral state for the nest architecture was the flattened nest type. We provide an updated key for the Colombian species of the genus Quindina and an updated distribution map. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:4C811186-3FAC-4F65-81BD-A5720513551E.

Architecture differentially affects thermal properties of Song Thrush Turdus philomelos nest walls

ABSTRACT Thermistors embedded on and within the nest wall were used to measure the changes in temperature between different parts of the architecture of the wall of Song Thrush nests as heat from a light bulb was conducted across the wall. The wood pulp forming the nest cup provided the greatest resistance to heat loss across the nest wall. Despite differences in nest mass and architecture, thermal conductance for Song Thrush nest walls were not statistically different from values previously reported for Common Blackbird Turdus merula nests. Song Thrush nests constructed over many years in the same geographical location exhibited an increase in the thickness of the wood pulp cup and a reduction in thermal conductance, i.e. the most recent nests were better insulated. However, nest mass or thermal insulation did not affect reproductive success between years.

Nest Design and Breeding Success: Replicability of Methodologies and Research Findings in Secondary Hole Nesting Passerines

More than 40 hypotheses predict associations between features of nest architecture and at least one measure of reproductive success. However, quantitative studies of reproductive consequences of nest characteristics remain scarce. In addition, most studies were conducted on model species of which nests can be easily monitored with artificial nest-boxes. Here, we review the replicability of research protocols and findings in model species, with many repeat studies focusing mainly on nest-size components, animal-derived nest material, or fresh greenery in model species of secondary hole-nesting birds: Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), Great Tits (Parus major), Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), and Starlings (Sturnus spp.). The studies looked for correlations between nest traits and aspects of breeding performance that can be easily quantified in the field, such as clutch size, brood size at hatching or fledging, the percentage of eggs that hatch or fledge, or nestling characteristics assumed to reflect qualities associated with survival probabilities (e.g., morphometry, body condition, blood profiles). We discuss the consequences of poor replicability of research methodologies and provide explanations for why many of these studies reported poor associations between nest design and breeding success at different spatiotemporal scales. We also make suggestions for future research.

Unveiling the life of the Neotropical resin bee Dicranthidium arenarium (Ducke, 1907) (Megachilinae, Anthidiini)

Dicranthidium arenarium (Ducke, 1907) is a solitary bee distributed along the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes in Northern Brazil. Although it is often sampled in faunistic inventories, its biology is still poorly known. We therefore studied the biology of D. arenarium to understand and compare the patterns of behavior, seasonality, nidification, and its natural enemies in different biomes where it appears. In order to achieve this goal, trap nests were installed and monitored in areas of Caatinga and Atlantic Forest in Northeastern Brazil over one year. We described, illustrated, and discussed their nest architecture, nesting behavior, mortality rates, and sex ratio. Additionally, the behavior of the Austrostelis appendiculata (Ducke, 1910) in D. arenarium nests was observed and described for the first time, showing a similar pattern to that of the other cleptoparasites lineages of Epanthidiina. Their distribution in distinct biomes, the multivoltine cycle, and the plasticity in the use of cavities showed that D. arenarium is a promising species for conservation and pollination programs in natural, urban, and agricultural environments.

Foraging behavior and the nest architecture of a high-Andean stingless bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) revealed by X-ray computerized tomography

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) are key pollinators of both cultivated and wild plants in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. While most species are found in lowland to mid-elevations, a few have adapted to high elevations, and their biology remains poorly understood. We assess the foraging pattern of Parapartamona zonata (Smith) in the central Andes of Colombia (2583 m.a.s.l.) and apply computer tomography to visualize and characterize its internal nest architecture. Bees foraged for pollen and nesting materials (resin and/or mud) from sunrise (5:40 h) to sunset (17:45), even at ambient temperatures as low as 11 °C. Foraging varied significantly throughout the day and temperature and sky condition explained 47% of its variance. Differences in the nest architecture, when compared with previous records, suggest that nesting behavior might be variable. These results are discussed in the context of behavioral adaptations in this unique environmental niche.

Three Species of Stingless Bee (Meliponini) Honey from Sudan: A Contribution to the Nest Components, Proximate Composition, and Antimicrobial Properties

There is historical traditional use of stingless bee honey (SBH). However, no information concerning composition and antimicrobial properties of SBHs from Sudan was reported. Thus, the paper was aimed to focus on the components of the nests and honey characteristics of three species of stingless bee. Proximate analysis showed similar composition, except protein and ash were significantly (p > 0.01) different. Meliplebeia beccarii honey contained more protein 5.31% and slightly more ash 1.01% than the other species. Antibacterial activity was determined by cup-plate agar diffusion; Hypotrigona squamuligera and M. beccarii were more active against Staphylococcus aureus. None of the Studied SBHs showed activity against Escherichia coli, Apergillus niger, and Candida albicans. Anti-parasite activity as determined by sub-culture method showed that “almost all” SBHs have similar activities against trophozoites of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica with statistically significant differences when compared to the untreated control. The amount of honey produced by M. beccarii varied from 100 to 150 ml per nest while honey produced by Hypotrigona ruspolii and H. squamuligera varied from 500 to 1000 ml/colony/year. Results also showed different nest architecture and components (entrance, brood areas, honey pots, and pollen pots) as indication for existence of many taxa of Meliponini in Sudan.

First Report of Nesting Habits, Nest Architecture and Foraging Behaviour of the Stingless bee, Tetragonula (Tetragonula) ruficornis (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) from India

The present study aimed to understand nesting habits, nest architecture, and foraging behavior of the stingless bee, Tetragonula (Tetragonula) ruficornis Smith, a widespread species in the north Indian plains from Varanasi to Punjab. Among the 47 wild, unmanaged colonies studied, 27 were situated in the cavities of tree trunks and 20 in the cavities of building walls. The internal nest structure revealed that brood cells were arranged in clusters at the center of the cavity with encircling pollen and honey pots. Further, the natural nesting cavity’s total length, width, and height varied from 105 to 168 mm, 129 to 216 mm, and 283 to 472 mm, respectively. The foraging activity of outgoing and incoming foragers of T. ruficornis varied significantly during different hours of the day, across the seasons and prevailing weather conditions. Further, activity was limited to daytime from 08:00 to 18:00 h, with peak activity of outgoing and incoming forager bees between 10:00 and 12:00 h during all seasons. Irrespective of seasons, the foraging activity of outgoing, pollen, and nectar foragers was at its maximum at 12:00 h. However, foraging ceased during December and January due to low temperatures, while peak activity was observed during April. The foraging pattern showed a significant positive correlation with mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures and a significant negative correlation with relative humidity. The current investigation delivers crucial information on nest architecture and foraging behavior, which could be exploited for designing bee hives and utilization in directed pollination services.

Thermodynamics, thermal performance and climate change: temperature regimes for bumblebee (Bombus spp.) colonies as examples of superorganisms

Evidence is widespread that many species of Bombus are in population and biogeographical decline in response to adverse effects of global climate warming. The complex interactions of the mechanisms at the root of the declines are poorly understood. Among the numerous factors, we posit that heat stress in the nests could play a key role in the decline of bumblebee species. The similarity of the optimum temperature range in incubating nests is remarkable, about 28–32 °C regardless of species from the cold High Arctic to tropical environments indicates that the optimal temperature for rearing of brood in Bombus spp. is a characteristic common to bumblebees (perhaps a synapomorphy) and with limited evolutionary plasticity. We do note that higher brood rearing temperature for the boreal and Arctic species that have been tested is stressfully high when compared with that for B. terrestris. The Thermal Neutral Zone (TNZ), temperatures over which metabolic expenditure is minimal to maintain uniform nest temperatures, has not been studied in Bombus and may differ between species and biogeographic conditions. That heat stress is more serious than chilling is illustrated by the Thermal Performance Curve Relationship (TPC) (also sometimes considered as a Thermal Tolerance Relationship). The TPC indicates that development and activity increase more slowly as conditions become warmer until reaching a plateau of the range of temperatures over which rates of activity do not change markedly. After that, activity rates decline rapidly, and death ensues. The TPC has not been studied in eusocial bees except Apis dorsata but may differ between species and biogeographic conditions. The importance of the TPC and the TNZ indicates that environmental temperatures in and around bumblebee nests (which have been rarely studied especially in the contexts of nest architecture and substrate thermal characteristics) are factors central to understanding the adverse effects of heat stress and climatic warming on bumblebee populations, health, and biogeographical decline.

Contribution to the knowledge of the nesting biology of Eumenine wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in the Brazilian Amazonia

ABSTRACT Several recent studies have improved our knowledge on the biodiversity and evolution of Eumeninae wasps, yet many groups lack systematic reviews, and there are still many gaps regarding the nesting biology, with the rather fragmentary information dispersed in the literature. Eumeninae are solitary wasps and important predatory insects regulating arthropod populations and exhibiting remarkable nest-building behaviors. Nesting strategies include using preexisting cavities, making clay pots, or other exposed structures built with plant material, sometimes incorporating chewed leaves, cellulose pulp, or plant resins. Understanding the nesting biology of Eumeninae is important for elucidating the origins of group living and eusociality, as these species range from solitary to primitively social. However, there is a scarcity of information on behavior and nest architecture, hindering a comprehensive understanding of these subjects. In this study, we describe and illustrate for the first time the nest of Monobia funebris Gribodo, 1891 (Odynerini), the nest of Eumenes versicolor de Saussure, 1852 (Eumenini), and provide additional information on the nesting of Pachymenes ghilianii (Spinosa, 1851) (Eumenini) from nests collected in the Brazilian Amazonia. Our observations reveal new facts about nest architecture in Eumeninae and highlight the need for additional efforts to elucidate aspects of the nesting behavior of M. funebris and the continued presence of female P. ghilianii in the nest after its completion.

The role of climatic variables on nest evolution in tanagers.

Avian nests are fundamental structures in avian reproduction and face strong selective forces. Climatic conditions are likely to have shaped the evolution of specific nest traits, but evidence is scarce at a macroevolutionary level. The Thraupidae family (commonly known as tanagers) is an ideal clade to understand the link between nest architecture and climate because it presents wide variation in nest traits. To understand whether climatic variables have played a role in the diversification of nest traits among species in this family, we measured nests from 49 species using museum collections. We observed that dome-nesting species are present in dryer and hotter environments, in line with previous findings suggesting that domed nests are a specialisation for arid conditions. We also found evidence that nests with thicker walls are present in locations with lower precipitation and that solar radiation can influence the shape of domed nests; birds tend to build shorter and narrower domes in areas with high levels of solar radiation. Open nest architecture is also potentially influenced by wind speed, with longer and deeper nests in areas characterised by strong winds. Our results support the hypothesis that different climatic variables can drive the evolution of specific aspects of nest architecture and contribute to the diversity of nest shapes we currently observe. However, climatic variables account only for a small fraction of the observed structural variation, leaving a significant portion still unexplained.

The inheritance of alternative nest architectural traditions in stingless bees

The transmission of complex behavior and culture in humans has long been attributed to advanced forms of social learning,1,2 which play a crucial role in our technological advancement.3 While similar phenomena of behavioral traditions and cultural inheritance have been observed in animals,1,2,4,5,6 including in primates,7 whales,8 birds,9 and even insects,10 the underlying mechanisms enabling the persistence of such animal traditions, particularly in insects, are less well understood. This study introduces pioneering evidence of enduring architectural traditions in the stingless bee Scaptotrigona depilis, which are maintained without any evidence for social learning. We demonstrate that S.depilis exhibits two distinct nest architectures, comprising either helicoidal or flat, stacked horizontal combs, which are transmitted across generations through stigmergy11,12,13,14,15,16,17-an environmental feedback mechanism whereby the presence of the existing comb structures guides subsequent construction behaviors-thereby leading to a form of environmental inheritance.18,19,20 Cross-fostering experiments further show that genetic factors or prior experience does not drive the observed variation in nest architecture. Moreover, the experimental introduction of corkscrew dislocations within the combs prompted helicoidal building, confirming the use of stigmergic building rules. At a theoretical level, we establish that the long-term equilibrium of building in the helicoidal pattern fits with the expectations of a two-state Markov chain model. Overall, our findings provide compelling evidence for the persistence of behavioral traditions in an insect, based on a simple mechanism of environmental inheritance and stigmergic interactions, without requiring any sophisticated learning mechanism, thereby expanding our understanding of how traditions can be maintained in non-human species.

Taxonomic account and phylogenetic relationships of the species of the Neotropical social wasp genus Chartergus Lepeletier, 1836 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini).

The Neotropical social wasp genus Chartergus is reviewed and comparative diagnoses, images of type material, and an updated identification key for species are presented. To investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the genus, we used a combined dataset of morphological characters, nest architecture traits, and molecular data. The results revealed the following relationships among the Chartergus species: (C. globiventris + (C. artifex + C. metanotalis)).

Home-and-away comparisons of life history traits indicate enemy release and founder effects of the solitary bee, Megachile sculpturalis

Occurrences of introduced and invasive pollinators are increasing worldwide. To predict the potential impacts of exotic bees on native ecosystems we need to understand their ecological interactions. Life history traits are fundamental for understanding ecological interactions and often help to explain the spread of exotic species. We conducted home-and-away comparisons of life history traits of the first invasive bee in Europe, the sculptured resin bee Megachile sculpturalis Smith 1853. We compiled information on nest architecture, offspring, natural enemies, body size and phenology using published literature, museum specimen, data from citizen science initiatives, field observations and reared specimen. Megachile sculpturalis uses a broad variety of nesting materials for brood cell construction, including even plastic at the exotic range. Body size at warm temperate climate was similar in the native and exotic ranges, but phenology shifted forward by about one month (28.9 ± 3.3 SE days) in the exotic ranges. The abundance of natural enemies was similar between native and exotic ranges but specialist enemies were missing in the exotic ranges. These trait shifts may be explained by founder effects or ecological filtering. The comparison of life history traits in native and exotic ranges sheds light on the ecological-evolutionary process of this quickly spreading species and provides a better understanding of invasion processes in solitary bees.

Nest architecture influences host use by avian brood parasites and is shaped by coevolutionary dynamics.

Brood (social) parasites and their hosts exhibit a wide range of adaptations and counter-adaptations as part of their ongoing coevolutionary arms races. Obligate avian brood parasites are expected to use potential host species with more easily accessible nests, while potential hosts are expected to evade parasitism by building more concealed nests that are difficult for parasites to enter and in which to lay eggs. We used phylogenetically informed comparative analyses, a global database of the world's brood parasites, their host species, and the design of avian host and non-host nests (approx. 6200 bird species) to examine first, whether parasites preferentially target host species that build open nests and, second, whether host species that build enclosed nests are more likely to be targeted by specialist parasites. We found that species building more accessible nests are more likely to serve as hosts, while host species with some of the more inaccessible nests are targeted by more specialist brood parasites. Furthermore, evolutionary-transition analyses demonstrate that host species building enclosed nests frequently evolve to become non-hosts. We conclude that nest architecture and the accessibility of nests for parasitism represent a critical stage of the ongoing coevolutionary arms race between avian brood parasites and their hosts.

Nest architecture, not egg type, influences artificial nest survival in Brazilian coastal shrubland

Nest architecture, not egg type, influences artificial nest survival in Brazilian coastal shrubland

Experimental evidence that increased surface temperature affects bioturbation by ants.

Ants are important bioturbators that actively produce biopores and move soil particles. They could be particularly affected by global warming as they are ectotherms. Nevertheless, they can indirectly regulate their temperature, through changes in their circadian cycles and the architecture of their nests (e.g. digging deep nests or using insulating materials). Nest architecture has been considered an expanded functional trait of ant colonies and thus sensitive to environmental changes such as increasing temperatures. This work aimed to study the nest architecture of ants as a functional trait and its effects on soil bioturbation. We hypothesized that, when exposed to increased surface temperatures, ants would increase their excavation activities, build deeper nests and alter the layout of chambers to maintain their preferred temperature and humidity, thus enhancing soil porosity. We allowed 17 young Lasius niger ant colonies to excavate nests in soil columns exposed to three surface temperatures (mild, n = 5; medium, n = 6; and high, n = 6) for 100 days. We measured the amount of soil excavated weekly and took X-ray scans of the soil column on Days 7, 14, 28, and 88 to characterize the three-dimensional structure of the nests (depth, shape, volume of chambers and tunnels). We then collected the colonies and measured their growth during the experiment, and the size and weight of workers. Ants reacted to surface temperature. Colonies exposed to medium and high temperatures excavated larger and deeper nests than those exposed to mild temperature. Nests excavated under high and medium temperatures had the same maximal depth, but chambers were located deeper in the former, which were further characterized by the refiling of some of the upper chambers. Colonies grew well in all treatments, although less under mild temperature. They produced normal-sized workers despite differences in surface temperature. Overall, these results suggest that ants exposed to higher temperatures live in deeper chambers. This study shows that surface temperature affects ant nest architecture, confirming its status as extended phenotype and highlighting its flexibility over time, which has in turn consequences on soil porosity.

A new species of social wasp from Madagascar with an inverted nest architecture (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)

Ropalidia jemmaesp. nov. is described from the protected Ankafobe evergreen forest in central Madagascar. This species is characterized by a variable black and green body colour pattern and a unique nest architecture within the genus Ropalidia. The nests of this species have an inverted cell opening orientation that exposes the cell bottoms outwardly, mimics the tree bark, and provides excellent visual nest concealment.

Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials.

This study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, and building materials of these nests. The architectural principles governing the construction of these nests, such as the arrangement of hexagonal cells, pedicels for load bearing, and adhesive materials, serve as a source of inspiration for innovative and sustainable design practices. The pedicels in Asian hornet nests play a crucial role in transferring load and ensuring stability. Additionally, AHNs' adhesion to tree branches is essential for preventing collapse, and the pedicels provide necessary structural support. The knowledge gained from studying AHNs' internal architecture could be applied directly to the architecture and civil engineering fields to improve structure stability and durability. The microstructure analysis of the paper-like material that hornets produce to build their nests indicates a complex and heterogeneous structure, composed of various plant fragments and fibres. This unique composition creates intricate grooves and pores, which are essential for regulating temperature and humidity levels within the outer envelope of the nest. The study of Asian hornet nests' internal structure demonstrated that nature's engineering principles inspire the design of durable and resilient structures in the construction industry. Civil engineers can incorporate similar principles into their designs to enhance the structural integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.