Article
Ecology
Marti Wittke, Lucas Baumgart, Florian Menzel
Summary: Organismal traits may experience conflicting selection pressures when fulfilling different functions simultaneously. In insects, the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) layer is an important multifunctional trait. Acclimation affects nestmate recognition and inter-individual aggression among ants by influencing CHC composition. However, there is some degree of functional separation among CHC classes, and the role of each CHC is idiosyncratic. The need to maintain a certain phase behaviour of the CHC layer might be the main constraint for insects in optimizing all CHC functions independently.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Eniko Csata, Luca Pietro Casacci, Joachim Ruther, Abel Bernadou, Juergen Heinze, Balint Marko
Summary: The application of alkane tricosane (n-C23) reduces aggression towards non-nestmates in ants, indicating a pacifying signal in ant nestmate discrimination in parasitic interferences. Parasites often interfere with the behavior of their hosts, leading to changes at both individual and societal levels. The ant-parasitic fungus Rickia wasmannii influences Myrmica ants by expanding their nestmate recognition template, increasing the acceptance of infected non-nestmates. Infected ants consistently show an increase in alkane tricosane (n-C23) in their cuticular hydrocarbon profiles. Experimental application of synthetic n-C23 mimicking fungal infection resulted in peaceful behavior towards infected non-nestmates, supporting the hypothesis that n-C23 acts as a 'pacifying' signal. This study suggests that parasitic interference in nestmate discrimination can alter colony structure by increasing genetic heterogeneity in infected colonies.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Arthur de Fouchier, Chloe Leroy, Abderrahman Khila, Patrizia d'Ettorre
Summary: Brood plays a critical role in social insect colonies as it contributes to the colony's fitness by producing future reproductive adults and increasing the workforce. Ant workers have evolved the ability to distinguish between nestmate and non-nestmate brood, especially in the early stages that require more resources. However, the chemical basis of this recognition and discrimination behavior remains understudied. In this study, we investigated the chemical cues and discrimination behavior of six ant species towards early brood, finding species-specific cues and discrimination against hetero-specific brood. We propose that the discrimination against non-nestmate brood may be an adaptation against brood parasitism.
Article
Agronomy
Lailla C. Gandra, Karina D. Amaral, Joel C. Couceiro, Raul N. C. Guedes, Terezinha M. C. Della Lucia
Summary: Animal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of leaf-cutting ants and examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a potentially toxic substrate. Results showed that behavioral variation was higher between colonies than subspecies, with behavioral traits correlated before and after exposure to stress. Colony behavior was found to be directly related to foraging and fungus garden growth. The relationship and network of interactions within colonies are determinants of foraging behaviors, with important implications for colony suppression using toxic substrates.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andre Rodrigues de Souza, Amanda Prato, Wilson Franca, Sircio Santos, Luan Dias Lima, Denise Araujo Alves, Rodrigo Cupertino Bernardes, Eduardo Fernando Santos, Fabio Santos do Nascimento, Maria Augusta Pereira Lima
Summary: A study has shown that both fungus-based biopesticides and neonicotinoid pesticides have lethal effects on predatory wasps and that the wasps are unable to differentiate between biopesticide-exposed and unexposed conspecifics. This suggests that fungus-based biopesticides may pose a potential threat to colony survival of predatory wasps.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hidehiro Watanabe, Shoji Ogata, Nonoka Nodomi, Kosuke Tateishi, Hiroshi Nishino, Ryosuke Matsubara, Mamiko Ozaki, Fumio Yokohari
Summary: To maintain eusociality, ants can recognize subtle differences in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). It is debated whether peripheral or central neural mechanisms are responsible for CHC discrimination. In this study, single basiconic sensilla in Japanese carpenter ants were recorded to determine how CHCs are processed. The results showed that sensory neurons in the sensilla were electrically coupled and had the potential to discriminate different CHCs based on activated neuron patterns.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felipe Chagas Rocha Almeida, Diego Martins Magalhaes, Arodi Prado Favaris, Jonathan Rodriguez, Kamila Emmanuella Xavier Azevedo, Jose Mauricio Simoes Bento, Denise Araujo Alves
Summary: Pathogenic fungi may impact bee behavior and chemicals, allowing guard bees to detect pathogen-exposed bees and prevent them from entering the hive. This provides important insights into how bee colonies respond to potential infectious threats.
Article
Entomology
Bryan Ospina-Jara, Jonathan Rodriguez, James Montoya-Lerma
Summary: The study found that the small cockroach Attaphila paucisetosa parasitizes in nests of the leafcutter ant Atta cephalotes, recognizes the odor of the ant colony, and uses its small size and attachment abilities to avoid being killed by the ants.
JOURNAL OF INSECT BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Marion Cordonnier, Bernard Kaufmann, Laurent Simon, Gilles Escarguel, Nathalie Mondy
Summary: Species and nestmate recognition in social insects mainly relies on cuticular hydrocarbons, which generate colony-specific odor profiles and regulate aggression. Hybrid zones between ant species show well-differentiated hydrocarbon profiles and high interspecific aggression, with hybrids displaying a mixture of parental and unique patterns. Interactions between heterospecific workers vary based on whether they come from sympatric or allopatric areas, emphasizing the complexity of recognition mechanisms and discrimination in hybrids.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Quentin Rougemont, Barbara Huber, Simon H. Martin, Annabel Whibley, Catalina Estrada, Darha Solano, Robert Orpet, W. Owen McMillan, Brigitte Frerot, Mathieu Joron
Summary: By studying the speciation process of Heliconius butterflies, it is found that wing pattern divergence may play a role in speciation and be associated with hybridization and reproductive isolation.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Luis Eduardo Pontes Stefanelli, Tarcisio Marcos Macedo Mota Filho, Roberto da Silva Camargo, Carlos Alberto Oliveira de Matos, Luiz Carlos Forti
Summary: The study found that the fungus T. harzianum showed high pathogenicity against leaf-cutting ant larvae and pupae, leading to faster mortality and lower survival rates. On the other hand, the fungus B. bassiana caused faster worker mortality and lower survival rates. Additionally, an increase in contaminated individuals within a group decreased the group's survival rate, supporting the efficiency of entomopathogenic fungi in controlling leaf-cutting ants.
Article
Agronomy
Grzegorz Buczkowski
Summary: Adding termite cuticular extract to commercial bait can improve the attractiveness and control efficacy for Asian needle ants.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabienne Maihoff, Kyte Bohlke, Axel Brockmann, Thomas Schmitt
Summary: Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) serve as discrimination cues triggering defense behavior in eusocial insects. A study on honey bee species revealed that the giant honey bee A. dorsata, with its unique nesting behavior, exhibits a more complex CHC profile likely due to its ability to synthesize methyl-branched hydrocarbons. Behavioral experiments indicate that A. dorsata shows improved nestmate discrimination ability compared to phylogenetically ancestral species.
Article
Entomology
Tarcisio Marcos M. Mota Filho, Katia Ka Sousa, Roberto S. Camargo, Joao Vlc Oliveira, Nadia Caldato, Douglas Zeppelini, Luiz C. Forti
Summary: The study found Cyphoderus innominatus for the first time in early colonies of Atta sexdens in a transitional area between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado in Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The colonies had a high density of C. innominatus individuals, mostly found in peripheral areas of the fungus garden chamber. Observations also indicated a potential defensive behavior by worker ants when C. innominatus individuals were present in the fungus garden chamber.
Article
Biology
Masaru K. Hojo
Summary: In this review, the author discusses how chemical communication based on condition-dependent signaling and recognition plasticity regulates the payoff in mutualistic associations. The selfishness of participants explains signaling and communication, contributing to the stability of these mutualisms. Future research on ant collective behavior, genetic and neural basis of cooperation, and a deeper understanding of the costs and benefits of these interactions will help uncover the origin and maintenance of ant mutualistic associations.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francesco Sirtori, Chiara Aquilani, Corrado Dimauro, Riccardo Bozzi, Oreste Franci, Luca Calamai, Antonio Pezzati, Carolina Pugliese
Summary: Dry-cured ham has a unique flavor influenced by seasoning time, with extended seasoning improving sensory characteristics and aroma. Research on subcutaneous fat of ham revealed changes in volatile compounds during seasoning, with certain compounds acting as markers of specific seasoning stages. Proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes during processing lead to the development of volatile compounds responsible for aromas, which are essential for assessing ham quality and flavor.
Article
Biology
Judith Korb, Karen Meusemann, Denise Aumer, Abel Bernadou, Daniel Elsner, Barbara Feldmeyer, Susanne Foitzik, Juergen Heinze, Romain Libbrecht, Silu Lin, Megha Majoe, Jose Manuel Monroy Kuhn, Volker Nehring, Matteo A. Negroni, Robert J. Paxton, Alice C. Seguret, Marah Stoldt, Thomas Flatt
Summary: By comparing gene expression patterns between young and old castes in different lineages of social insects, the study reveals the important role of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signalling (IIS)/target of rapamycin (TOR)/juvenile hormone (JH) network in ageing and caste-specific physiology of social insects.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Boris H. Kramer, Volker Nehring, Anja Buttstedt, Jurgen Heinze, Judith Korb, Romain Libbrecht, Karen Meusemann, Robert J. Paxton, Alice Seguret, Florentine Schaub, Abel Bernadou
Summary: The study examined the impact of oxidative damage to proteins on social insects, finding that oxidative stress plays a significant role in senescence, with differences in oxidative stress manifestation and antioxidant defenses among species. Understanding these variations in response to oxidative stress across social species may provide insights into the relationships between oxidative stress, antioxidants, social life history, and senescence.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Megha Majoe, Romain Libbrecht, Susanne Foitzik, Volker Nehring
Summary: The study found a positive correlation between fecundity and lifespan in ants, with increased worker reproduction in queenless colonies extending lifespan. Oxidative stress significantly affects worker survival, but is less pronounced in queenless colonies. Additionally, workers from outside nests tend to die earlier than those inside, potentially due to age differences.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biology
Steve Kett, Ayush Pathak, Stefano Turillazzi, Duccio Cavalieri, Massimiliano Marvasi
Summary: Arthropods are able to produce a variety of antifungal compounds, but some taxa, particularly eusocial insects, also acquire additional compounds through mutualistic associations with microbes. These associations have been maintained for over 50 million years, indicating the continued effectiveness of the compounds and suggesting potential strategies for reducing antifungal resistance in clinical settings.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Masoni, F. Frizzi, R. Nieri, L. P. Casacci, V. Mazzoni, S. Turillazzi, G. Santini
Summary: The study shows that vibrational signaling can transmit information in ant societies and can be modulated based on different contexts and needs, providing a flexible communication channel parallel to the well-known chemical communication system.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Horst Bohn, Volker Nehring, Jonathan G. Rodriguez, Klaus-Dieter Klass
Summary: This study revises the genus Attaphila, describing previously known and new species and their unique characteristics such as antenna structure, leg morphology, and genitalia features. Functional aspects and potential biological roles of these traits are also discussed, along with the conflicting molecular and morphological results in determining the phylogenetic position of Attaphila within Blattodea.
ARTHROPOD SYSTEMATICS & PHYLOGENY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Maarten Wissink, Volker Nehring
Summary: The study found that in appetitive olfactory learning in ants, octopamine signaling is crucial for learning to expect reward-associated odors, while dopamine may play a role in long-term memory consolidation.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Canitz, Derek S. Sikes, Wayne Knee, Julia Baumann, Petra Haftaro, Nadine Steinmetz, Martin Nave, Anne-Katrin Eggert, Wenbe Hwang, Volker Nehring
Summary: This study utilized molecular data to study 230 specimens from 43 locations worldwide, identifying 24 genetic clusters that may represent species within the mite genus Poecilochirus. The results suggest that the diversification of these mites began during the Paleogene and continued into the Miocene, with large-scale geographic separation playing a key role in the formation of different clades within the genus. The study also indicates that co-speciation of mites with their host beetles is unlikely, and that diversification within the genus may have been driven by adaptation to specific hosts or local abiotic conditions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anton Stabentheiner, Julia Magdalena Nagy, Helmut Kovac, Helmut Kaefer, Iacopo Petrocelli, Stefano Turillazzi
Summary: Polistes paper wasps exhibit behavioral plasticity to adapt to environmental variation, with differential thermoregulatory behaviors between Polistes biglumis from cool Alpine climate and Polistes gallicus from warm Mediterranean climate.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Margherita Santoni, Leonardo Verdi, Shamina Imran Pathan, Marco Napoli, Anna Dalla Marta, Francesca Romana Dani, Gaio Cesare Pacini, Maria Teresa Ceccherini
Summary: This study compared the effects of organic and conventional farming systems on microbial biomass, activity, soil CO2 emission, and available nitrogen forms. The results showed that organic farming had more active and abundant microbial biomass, with fungi being more active than bacteria. Organic farming also had higher bacterial richness and lower levels of NO3-.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Immacolata Iovinella, Beniamino Caputo, Pietro Cobre, Mattia Manica, Alessandro Mandoli, Francesca Romana Dani
Summary: The researchers synthesized derivatives of citronellal with lower volatility and weaker odor, which showed a longer-lasting mosquito repellent effect. In field trials, these derivatives performed comparably to synthetic repellents such as DEET and Icaridin.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Immacolata Iovinella, Alessandro Mandoli, Cristina Luceri, Mario D'Ambrosio, Beniamino Caputo, Pietro Cobre, Francesca Romana Dani
Summary: The use of skin repellents is important for personal protection against disease-carrying mosquitoes. In this study, cyclic hydroxyacetals were tested as potential repellents and found to be as effective as DEET and Icaridin, with some compounds performing even better. These compounds also showed lower toxicity compared to DEET, suggesting their potential as safe mosquito repellents.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Turillazzi, Giuseppe Pieraccini, Stefano Turillazzi, Neri Orsi Battaglini, Maurizio Severino
Summary: Specific Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) is a specific treatment for patients highly allergic to social insect stings. To overcome the shortage of vespid species in the local environment, we combined vespiculture techniques with a venom collection procedure that allows for the extraction of venom containing all allergens necessary for VIT.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessio Iannucci, Jiao Zhu, Livio Antonielli, Anas Ayari, Karima Nasri-Ammar, Wolfgang Knoll, Paolo Pelosi, Francesca Romana Dani
Summary: The order Isopoda contains aquatic and terrestrial species, with Hemilepistus reaumurii being the most adapted to terrestrial life. This study investigates soluble olfactory proteins in H. reaumurii and finds 13 genes encoding CSPs, which have unique sequences compared to other arthropods and show strong affinities for fatty acids and long-chain unsaturated esters and aldehydes, potential semiochemicals for this species.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)