Presocial

Definition

Behavior exhibited by insects that show some social tendencies but do not have a fully developed social structure like eusocial insects.

Etymology

From Latin 'prae-', meaning 'before', and 'social', relating to social behavior.

Example

Presocial behavior in termites involves aggregation of individuals but lacks the complex division of labor seen in true social species.

Related Terms

• Social behavior
• Aggregation
• Colony

Usage Notes

Presocial behavior is often observed in insects undergoing a transition towards sociality.