Sex-specific division of labor in termites is linked to differential brain architecture and foraging gene expression

TL;DR

Male and female termites have different roles, with males foraging and females building, linked to brain structure differences and gene activity.

Contribution

This study reveals sex-specific division of labor in termites is connected to brain architecture and foraging gene expression.

Findings

Male termites have a larger central complex brain region compared to females.

The foraging gene is more active in male workers than in females and soldiers.

Foraging gene expression varies across termite species, indicating species-specific effects.

Abstract

Division of labor in social insects is a key factor contributing to their ecological success, often relying on individual’s age and body size. In termites, it also extends to sexually dimorphic groups; however, the underlying neural and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between sex-specific division of labor, brain architecture, and expression of the foraging (for) gene in workers of the termite Syntermes dirus. Behavioral assays revealed a striking sex-based division of labor, with male workers acting as foragers and female workers as builders. Consistent with the cognitive demands of foraging, male workers exhibited a larger brain central complex, a sensory center associated with orientation and navigation. Moreover, relative for expression is higher in male workers than in females and soldiers. Finally, we revisited for gene expression in workers and soldiers of different termite species, suggesting species-dependent effects on foraging. Our findings represent a first step toward elucidating how structural and functional brain changes underlie sex-specific division of labor in termites.

•There is a striking sex-based division of labor between Syntermes dirus workers•Male workers (foragers) have a larger central complex than females (builders)•The for gene, a regulator of foraging activity, is highly expressed in males•Differential for expression among termite taxa suggests species-specific effects

There is a striking sex-based division of labor between Syntermes dirus workers

Male workers (foragers) have a larger central complex than females (builders)

The for gene, a regulator of foraging activity, is highly expressed in males

Differential for expression among termite taxa suggests species-specific effects

Biological sciences; entomology; neurogenetics

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