Using Flies to Understand Social Networks

Abstract

Many animals live in groups and interact with each other, creating an organized collective structure. Social network analysis (SNA) is a statistical tool that aids in revealing and understanding the organized patterns of shared social connections between individuals in groups. Surprisingly, the application of SNA revealed that Drosophila melanogaster, previously considered a solitary organism, displays group dynamics and that the structure of group life is inherited. Although the number of studies investigating Drosophila social networks is currently limited, they address a wide array of questions that have only begun to capture the details of group level behavior in this insect. Here, we aim to review these studies, comparing their respective scopes and the methods used, to draw parallels between them and the broader body of knowledge available. For example, we highlight how despite methodological differences, there are similarities across studies investigating the effects of social isolation on social network dynamics. Finally, this review aims to generate hypotheses and predictions that inspire future research in the emerging field of Drosophila social networks.

The impact of social isolation on health and behavior inDrosophila melanogasterand beyond

“…Although fruit flies are not eusocial insects, they form social networks and participate in collective behaviors such as foraging, feeding, and risk-aversion communicated by tactile, acoustic, visual, and chemosensory signals [39, 47, 76]. Isolation significantly affects these collective behaviors.…”

“…A 2012 paper by Schneider et al using “fixed criteria” analysis found that there were no differences in social structures when flies were previously isolated or group-housed [38]. However, when the data was re-analyzed by Jezovit et al (2021) with “automated criteria”, the results led to a different conclusion [39]. Flies that were isolated upon eclosion exhibited longer periods but lower rates of interaction overall than group-housed flies, and reciprocated interactions less frequently [39].…”

“…However, when the data was re-analyzed by Jezovit et al (2021) with “automated criteria”, the results led to a different conclusion [39]. Flies that were isolated upon eclosion exhibited longer periods but lower rates of interaction overall than group-housed flies, and reciprocated interactions less frequently [39].…”

“…F) Lifespan is reduced in both male and female isolated flies, but healthspan changes are sex-specific [49]. G) Previously isolated flies exhibit altered group interactions [39]. (A. Vora – created with BioRender.com)…”

Behavioral Neuroscience in the Era of Genomics: Tools and Lessons for Analyzing High-Dimensional Datasets

“…Maybe the most promising field in this respect is the study of social networks, which uses a set of features that describe individuals within a network and compares between different networks under various conditions. A step towards this direction was recently achieved in a study by Jezovit et al [ 108 ], who compared the results of several studies that focused on social networks in Drosophila melanogaster . Although each study used a different approach to calculate network features, the authors documented similar effects of social isolation on network structure across all studies.…”