Social insects have evolved sophisticated systems of disease resistance that integrate individual immune responses with collective behavioural defences. These adaptive strategies are exemplified by ...

Insect colours assist in body protection, signalling, and physiological adaptations. Colours also convey multiple channels of information. These channels are valuable for species identification, ...

The interplay between gene regulation and behavioural plasticity is central to understanding how social insects achieve remarkable adaptability in their colony roles. Molecular pathways, such as those ...

The concept of ‘kin selection’ was developed in 1964 by the evolutionary biologist Bill Hamilton, first proposed by Charles Darwin to explain, for example, why sterile workers evolved in social insect ...

The queens in colonies of social insects, such as ants, bees, and wasps, are considered the veritable embodiment of specialization in the animal kingdom. The common perception is that the queen's only ...

Ants react to social isolation in a similar way as do humans and other social mammals. A study has revealed alterations to the social and hygienic behavior of ants that had been isolated from their ...

As spring gives way to summer, nature’s treasure chest awakens. Earth’s biological wealth sprouts, blooms and clamors. These contents once blanketed the landscape with a thin, life-sustaining fabric, ...

Small animals don’t usually grow very old. Because they’re always at risk of becoming another critter’s quick snack, the best way to ensure that their genes will make it into the next generation is ...

Seirian Sumner receives funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). She is an employee of University College London. Her book Endless Forms: Why We Should Love Wasps, is published by ...

New research suggests insects may experience emotion-like states, showing stress responses and even exhibiting pessimism or optimism. Studies indicate they respond to noxious stimuli with primitive ...