That just shows how much human technology has to catch up to nature.
December 13, 2010
[Image] Our topic today is the Oriental hornet, Vespa Orentalis. For some time, scientists had know that the workers of this species were most active towards the middle of the day. It was only recently that they confirmed that they are capable of directly harvesting solar power. Under very close examination (on the nanometer scale), the brown segments of the hornet's abdomen are a series of reflective mirrors. They reflect the sun's energy onto structures on the yellow part of the abdomen, which contains a pigment with photoelectric properties, thus turning the light into electrical energy, which the hornets then use for their activities. Story and picture courtesy of the BBC. Plenty more details, including microscope scans of the hornet's skin.
8 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formI'm lovin' the added science bits. Fascinating!
December 09, 2010
Does solar power make it a green hornet?
December 09, 2010
Quote: "Does solar power make it a green hornet?"
Badump-bump-tsssshhhhh!!!
BTW, the hornet is highly offended; it prefers 'Asian hornet'.
December 09, 2010
I hate hornets. But this is cool.
December 10, 2010
Nature is just too cool! Love it!
December 10, 2010
cool info!!
while vacationing...camping in GA...i saw the HUGEST hornets i'd ever seen! they were pretty aggressive...
i like to learn about them...see the pic's...but keep my distance!
((BTW-no more free spider posters are available...??))
December 12, 2010
haha
looks like unreal
December 13, 2010
That just shows how much human technology has to catch up to nature.
December 13, 2010