Wasp Focused Druid

[Talakeal]

Back in second edition I played a druid who, instead of an animal companion, had a hive of wasps, which I would then enhance with the Giant Vermin spell. I am thinking about recreating this character for third ed, but I have a few problems:

Is there any way to do this in 3.5? Or, barring that, is it possible to have no AC, or a single giant insect AC, and then summon normal wasps to enhance?

I also notice that the MM does not have stats for wasps of different sizes, only large, and the giant vermin spell says that the DM needs to approve wasps. How would one go about modifying the large wasp stats for the other size categories if the DM did approve it?

Finally, to complete the insect theme, I wore field plate made from the carapace of an ankheg, but this armor doesn't appear to be in the game anymore. How would I recreate it.

[Amphetryon]

Vermin Animal Companion (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20040705a) rules are here.

Here's an excerpt from an excerpt, on chitin armor (Original article here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20010701)):

Chitin Armor: This special nonmagical armor is made from the organic hides of monstrous beasts like giant beetles. Because it is organic, it is easy to move within it. It has all the properties of masterwork breastplate, half-plate or full plate armor (as appropriate), plus it raises the maximum Dex bonus of the armor type by +1. The secrets to making this armor are known only to troglodyte craftspeople.

Caster Level: n/a; Prerequisites: None; Market Price: 500 gp (breastplate), 900 gp (half-plate), 1,800 gp (full plate). Weight: As normal armor.