Network analyses reveal structure in insect social groups

Abstract

Animals, from flies to humans, interact with each other, forming complex relationships and structured social interaction networks. These networks describe patterns of interactions that occur within a group. Social network analysis (SNA) is the statistical analysis of nodes, which represent individuals within a network who are connected by social ties, often called edges, that represent interactions between individuals. Here, we review recent studies on social interaction networks in insects with an emphasis on flies. In flies and other insects, SNA has revealed the contribution of group structure to disease transmission, feeding strategy, fighting, mating, and oviposition. The literature shows that SNAs are useful to understand mechanisms underlying group behavior as well as the evolution of social structure.