eusocial, eusociality

Classification · Explanation of Names · Identification · See Also · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary --use Taxonomy, then Info tabs to view entries)

No Taxon (E)

No Taxon eusocial, eusociality

Explanation of Names

From Greek eu, good, thorough, plus Latin sociare to associate, and -alis characterized by (1).

Identification

eusocial adjective, eusociality noun - pertaining to, or state of social organization in insects characterized by:

cooperation in care of young

social contact between generations

division of labor, with castes for reproduction, other duties, such as foraging, defense

Examples of eusocial organization occur in:

termites (Isoptera)--all species eusocial

ants (Formicidae)--all species eusocial

Vespid wasps

bees

other insects, though not necessarily in North American groups: weevils, aphids, thrips

See Also

presocial

caste

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 340 (1)

Internet References

Wikipedia: Eusociality

Rice University: Eusocial Insects

Animal Diversity Web--glossary entry for eusocial

Stockton University of New Jersey, Insect Societies--has classification of social levels

North Dakota State University: Social Insects

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology By George Gordh, David H. Headrick

Contributed by Cotinis on 17 May, 2007 - 9:02pm
Last updated 19 October, 2009 - 9:50pm

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