Chemical and structural analysis of a European hornet nest

This study investigates the chemical and structural composition of a Vespa crabro nest before museum consolidation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), computed tomography (CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fiber analysis were used to assess its material properties and biochemical wood decomposition processes. HPLC results indicate the nest consists primarily of polysaccharides (≈ 52 wt%), including partially hydrolyzed cellulose and hemicelluloses, with degradation products present in extractive fractions. Lignin content (≈ 17.6 wt%) is lower than in native wood, likely due to the use of weathered or decayed material for easier processing during nest construction. Sugar analysis and SEM confirm hardwood as the primary source material. FT-IR analysis reveals that darker brown areas contain higher lignin content and cellulose with lower crystallinity than beige areas. FTIR and optical microscopy also identify proteins in the outer shell (as a natural adhesive) and inside comb cells (as larval waste). XRF detected trace elements (≈ 1.4 wt%) such as Fe, Pb, Sn, Sb from environmental sources. CT scanning revealed a 10-layered hexagonal comb structure, optimized for strength and insulation. These findings provide new insights into Vespa crabro nest construction, emphasizing the role of hornets in natural wood decomposition and motivating novel approaches to sustainable fiber-based materials, adhesives, and insulation technologies. The results contribute to material science, wood processing, entomology, and bio-based composites conservation.