Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior

Social insects such as ants, termites, and honeybees have evolved some of the most complex cooperative societies on Earth, and genomics is now offering a precise window into how that complexity is encoded and maintained. Researchers use whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics to identify the genetic switches that determine caste identity, regulate division of labor, and sustain the tight partnerships these insects form with their microbial communities. A central open question is how a shared genome can give rise to dramatically different physical forms and behaviors—queens versus workers, for instance—through largely epigenetic rather than sequence-level differences. Active work is also untangling how the gut microbiota of colony members shape immune function, nutrient processing, and even collective decision-making, with implications for understanding both ecological stability and the vulnerabilities of pollinator populations.

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Keywords

Social InsectsGenomicsSymbiosisAntsTermitesHoneybees