Skip to main content

My longest blog post ever

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


A South American Mischocyttarus paper wasp hangs out on its characteristically long nest. The nest is made of chewed, processed plant fibers, similar to those of our temperate paper wasps but taking a much more unusual form. How long is the nest? Warm up your scrolling muscles! Here is a life-size photograph:

photo details:

Canon EF 17-40mm f4L wide angle zoom lens on a Canon EOS 7D


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


ISO 400, f/8, 1/100 sec

Diffuse external strobe

Alex Wild is Curator of Entomology at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studies the evolutionary history of ants. In 2003 he founded a photography business as an aesthetic complement to his scientific work, and his natural history photographs appear in numerous museums, books and media outlets.

More by Alex Wild