FACTORS MEDIATING ANT SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: INTERPLAY OF NEUROMODULATION AND SOCIAL CONTEXT

The main aim of this review was to show that proximate causation of insect social behavior involves complex interplay of cues and signals originating from both lower and higher levels of organization encountered in insect societies. We focused our review on context-dependence of neuromodulation of insect social behavior by specific neuroactive compounds including several biogenic amines (octopamine, serotonin, dopamine and tyramine), and classical amino acid neurotransmitters [γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu)]. We provided numerous examples of the role of these compounds in the mediation of affiliative social contacts, aggressive behavior, ontogeny of behavior (including behavioral reversion), and modifications of the reproductive status of the individual. We also discussed how brain contents of specific neuroactive compounds and the effects of their administration depend on individual properties of the tested insects, systematic group to which they belong, and external conditions defining their past and present physical and social environment.