What specific thermal preference dictates where a founding queen initiates nest construction regarding sunlight?

Selecting a site receiving morning sun to regulate initial temperature, while avoiding intense, direct afternoon sun to prevent later overheating

The initial temperature regulation of a new nest is critical for the viability of the early brood, and this is heavily influenced by the founding queen's site selection relative to solar exposure. Queens almost universally seek locations that capture the gentler warmth of the morning sun. This early light exposure assists in bringing the nest interior up to the optimal temperature for development. However, they actively avoid spots that endure intense, direct afternoon sun. Such prolonged, harsh exposure later in the season can cause internal temperatures to spike dangerously high, leading to overheating and the death of the developing colony.