Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
 

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National Moth Week was July 19-27, and the Summer 2025 gathering in Louisiana, July 19-27

Photos of insects and people from the 2024 BugGuide gathering in Idaho July 24-27

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eusocial, eusociality

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
No Taxon (Glossary)
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
George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.
Contributed by Cotinis on 17 May, 2007 - 9:02pm
Last updated 19 October, 2009 - 9:50pm

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