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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds

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Published on: November 6, 2015

A thermoregulatory center in hornets: IR photography.

Marian Plotkin¹, Natalya Y Ermakov, Stanislav Volynchik

¹Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.

Microscopy Research and Technique

|December 17, 2005

Summary

Oriental hornets possess a unique thermoregulatory center (TC) that maintains body heat. This butterfly-shaped structure regulates temperature via the tracheal system, crucial for hornet activity.

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Area of Science:

Entomology
Animal Physiology
Thermoregulation

Background:

The Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) exhibits unique thermal properties during activity.
A specific dorsal thoracic lump, approximately 1 mm in diameter, shows elevated temperatures compared to its surroundings and other body parts.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the thermal characteristics of the Oriental hornet's dorsal thoracic lump.
To understand the thermoregulatory mechanisms employed by Vespa orientalis.

Main Methods:

Infra-Red (IR) photography was used to observe heat distribution during hornet activity.
Temperature measurements were taken across different body parts and in relation to the environment.

Main Results:

A butterfly-shaped lump on the thorax reached temperatures up to 9°C warmer than the environment and 6°C warmer than other body parts.
Heat distribution patterns varied with activity levels (flight, ventilation), with the thorax being the warmest.
Temperature gradients persisted even during rest, suggesting a stable thermoregulatory system.

Conclusions:

The dorsal thoracic lump is hypothesized to be a neurogenically activated thermoregulatory center (TC).
The TC appears to regulate temperature rapidly, independent of hemolymph supply, likely via the tracheal system.
A separate heat pump mechanism may regulate gaster temperature.