The effect of biogenic amines in the neuromodulation of insect social behavior

Interactions among colony members in insect societies involve a wide range of behaviors, including collective defense, recruitment, foraging, and parental care. Despite significant advances in research, our understanding of how variations in neuroanatomical structure and physiological conditions drive changes in behavior remains incomplete. This review examines the critical role of biogenic amines in modulating social behaviors in insects. We highlight recent findings that demonstrate how these molecular messengers interact with hormonal signaling pathways, affecting essential colony traits such as development, fertility, reproduction, and caste differentiation. Caste-specific adaptations are evident in the brains of eusocial species. Key insights suggest that the aminergic system is fundamental for the transition from solitary to social structures. Research on insect brain architecture indicates that social evolution has led to changes in neural circuits rather than simply an increase in brain size. Besides regulating intracolony dynamics, biogenic amines significantly influence interactions between social insects and other species. These findings may challenge established notions of mutualism, such as pollination or other plant–insect interactions, suggesting that some behaviors could result from brain manipulation via aminergic control. We argue that understanding the complex interplay of various biogenic amines and other molecular messengers is essential for comprehending the neuroendocrine signaling mechanisms that underlie insect social structures. By synthesizing recent findings and examples, this review provides an overview of how biogenic amines contribute to the evolution of social behaviors in insects, offering insights for future research in this field.