Solar power is always pretty exciting as it reaches more and more places in our lives—a future without fossil fuels! But what if solar power also means getting stung more? Take oriental hornets—buzzing around with built-in solar panels.
German researchers have discovered that a yellow portion of oriental hornets' bodies isn't just decorative, but rather consists of a microscopic network of depressions that trap the sun's rays—converting them into energy. It's like they have a tiny little solar generator strapped to their backs. It also explains why the hornets are most active during the day, choosing to build nests when the sun is at its peak. More sun equals more digging power. [TreeHugger]
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