Sociality is a genetically determined social behavior that dictates the social structure of particular groups of animals. Manifestations of sociality include living in close proximity, dividing tasks and responsibilities, and traveling together. Insects express sociality more frequently and to greater extremes than do most other animals, and as a result these animals have formed the archetype of all social animals.

Hives are the preferred "living arrangements" for eusocial bees. Various castes of bees will live harmoniously within the close living quarters of their hive.

Social insects live in every terrestrial ecosystem and form an important part of many food webs. Eusocial (extremely social) animals live in collective societal units referred to as hives or colonies. As adults eusocial animals serve their society in narrowly defined capacities know as "castes." Some examples of a caste are the worker, soldier, nurse, or reproductively capable king or queen.

In highly social...