Communication by electrical means in social insects.

Social insects, belonging to the order Hymenoptera, maintain a fixed, optimal temperature in their nest. Thus, in social wasps and hornets, the optimal nest temperature is 29 degrees C, despite the fact that they are distributed in regions of varying climates both in the northern and southern hemispheres of the globe. Since hornets and bees are relatively small insects, determination of their own body temperature as well as that of their nest and the brood was made via thermometers or by the use of infrared (IR) rays.

Temperature distribution and electrical properties along the Oriental hornet body.

The hornet is an endothermic insect. Daily variations in hornet surface temperature were measured. Three peaks were found between 9:30 and 10: 30 a.