Cooperative-behavior
Guides
Anelosimus
cobweb spiders
Anelosimus is a genus of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) renowned as a model system for studying the evolution of sociality in arachnids. The genus contains approximately 75 species exhibiting the full spectrum of social organization, from solitary to highly social (quasisocial). Eight quasisocial species have been documented, more than any other spider genus. Social species such as Anelosimus eximius form massive communal webs housing tens of thousands of individuals, while solitary species occur at higher altitudes and latitudes. The genus is cosmopolitan, with significant diversity in the Americas, Madagascar, and Australasia.
Paraneotermes simplicicornis
Desert Dampwood Termite
Paraneotermes simplicicornis is a desert-dwelling dampwood termite native to arid regions of southwestern North America. It is notable for its distinctive cooperative tunneling behavior, in which workers pass excavated soil backward through the tunnel in a bucket-brigade fashion rather than carrying it individually. The species colonizes dead and decaying Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) and initiates new colonies following monsoon rains, typically in September.
Trypoxylon politum
Pipe Organ Mud Dauber, Organ-pipe Mud-dauber Wasp
Trypoxylon politum is a large, solitary spider-hunting wasp and the only North American member of its genus that constructs free-standing mud nests rather than using pre-existing cavities. Its distinctive nest consists of multiple parallel tubular mud columns resembling organ pipes, with each tube internally partitioned into several cells provisioned with paralyzed spiders. The species exhibits cooperative behavior between sexes: males defend nests against parasites and rival males while females hunt and construct. Native to eastern North America, it has shown recent range expansion westward into Colorado and coexists with other mud dauber species.