Oriental hornets powered by 'solar energy'

[Demeter]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9254000/9254445.stm


The Oriental hornet has a unique ability to harvest solar energy, scientists have discovered.

The large wasp species has a special structure in its abdomen that traps the sun's rays, and a special pigment that harvests the energy they contain.

The discovery helps explain why these hornets have a large yellow stripe across their body and why they become more active as the day gets hotter.

It also changes our understanding of how insect metabolism can work...