Study finds more social insects have weaker immune response, highlights role of hygiene
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 - 10:11
in Biology & Nature
Research from North Carolina State University finds that among eusocial insects – like ants, bees and termites – the more individuals there are in a typical species colony, the weaker the species' immune response. The finding strongly suggests that hygiene behaviors, and not just immune systems, play a key role in keeping eusocial insects healthy.