Renter: Existing cavities. Nests well below the surface of the ground (Thomson, 1872). A nest generally contains a relatively large population of workers (Sladen, 1912; Løken, 1973; Alford, 1975). Løken also mentions a Swedish nest established in moss. The typical nest is described as having an untidy appearance, the honey pot being poorly constructed, the larvae are often imperfectly covered, and blotches of wax are allowed to remain on the cocoons (Sladen, 1912, who also illustrates a small nest). An occupied nest is also illustrated by Alford (1975).