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Steven M. Valles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Unique venom proteins from Solenopsis Invicta x Solenopsis richteri hybrid fire ants
'Elsevier BV', 2021Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Jason B. Oliver, Karla M. Addesso, Omaththage P. PereraAbstract:The Solenopsis venom protein 2 transcript was amplified, sequenced, probed, and analyzed from Solenopsis Invicta x Solenopsis richteri hybrid ant colonies (hybrids) collected from across Tennessee to determine the extent of introgression of each parent allele (Solenopsis Invicta venom protein 2 [Soli2] and Solenopsis richteri venom protein 2 [Solr2]). Chemotaxonomic analyses of venom alkaloids and cuticular hydrocarbons were used to categorize hybrid colonies and their relative relatedness to each parent species. Hybrid colonies were chosen randomly from each chemotaxonomic hybridization category, including “very near S. richteri,” “near S. richteri,” “near S. Invicta,” and “very near S. Invicta.” Lateral flow immunoassays for detection of the Soli2 and Solr2 venom proteins were largely in agreement with the chemotaxonomic analyses for the very near S. richteri (100% Solr2) and very near S. Invicta (80% Soli2, 20% Soli2 + Solr2 detected in the sample) groups, while Soli2 and Solr2 were reported in 60% and 40% in the near S. Invicta and near S. richteri chemotaxonomic groups. Analysis of transcripts from the hybrid colonies revealed a sequence with 100% identity to Soli2 (GenBank Accession L09560) and three unique sequences, which we identify as Solenopsis hybrid venom protein 2 (Solh2; GenBank Accession MT150127), Solenopsis hybrid truncated venom protein 2 (Solh2Tr97; Genbank Accession MT150129), and Solenopsis richteri venom protein 2, D to A change at position 69 (Solr2A69; GenBank Accession MT150128). The predicted open reading frame for Solh2 and Solh2Tr97 revealed sequences unique to hybrid ants, with Solh2Tr97an alternatively spliced form. A third unique sequence, Solr2A69, is likely the correct sequence for Solr2, which appears to have been published previously with a sequencing error (GenBank Accession P35776)
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Prospecting for viral natural enemies of the fire ant Solenopsis Invicta in Argentina
2018Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Sanford D. Porter, Luis A. CalcaterraAbstract:Metagenomics and next generation sequencing were employed to discover new virus natural enemies of the fire ant, Solenopsis Invicta Buren in its native range (i.e., Formosa, Argentina) with the ultimate goal of testing and releasing new viral pathogens into U.S. S. Invicta populations to provide natural, sustainable control of this ant. RNA was purified from worker ants from 182 S. Invicta colonies, which was pooled into 4 groups according to location. A library was created from each group and sequenced using Illumina Miseq technology. After a series of winnowing methods to remove S. Invicta genes, known S. Invicta virus genes, and all other non-virus gene sequences, 61,944 unique singletons were identified with virus identity. These were assembled de novo yielding 171 contiguous sequences with significant identity to non-plant virus genes. Fifteen contiguous sequences exhibited very high expression rates and were detected in all four gene libraries. One contig (Contig_29) exhibited the highest expression level overall and across all four gene libraries. Random amplification of cDNA ends analyses expanded this contiguous sequence yielding a complete virus genome, which we have provisionally named Solenopsis Invicta virus 5 (SINV-5). SINV-5 is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with genome characteristics consistent with insect-infecting viruses from the family Dicistroviridae. Moreover, the replicative genome strand of SINV-5 was detected in worker ants indicating that S. Invicta serves as host for the virus. Many additional sequences were identified that are likely of viral origin. These sequences await further investigation to determine their origins and relationship with S. Invicta. This study expands knowledge of the RNA virome diversity found within S. Invicta populations.
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Prospecting for viral natural enemies of the fire ant Solenopsis Invicta in Argentina - Fig 4
2018Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Sanford D. Porter, Luis A. CalcaterraAbstract:SINV-5 genome architecture (A), detection of replicative genome strand (B), and phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polyermase of SINV-5 and known dicistroviruses (C). (A) The SINV-5 genome is represented by the center black line and open reading frames by rectangles. Proteins with identity to an RNA helicase, protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (non-structural proteins) were detected within ORF 1 and those with identity to virus capsid proteins were detected in ORF 2. A short, overlapping ORF3 at the 5' end of ORF2 provides support for Aparavirus placement. (B) RT-PCR amplification of each SINV-5 genome strand. Replicative strand (lane 1), corresponding control (lane 2), positive strand (lane 3) and corresponding control (lane 4). (C) The evolutionary relationship of SINV-5 with known dicistroviruses by comparison of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from each virus inferred using the Neighbor-Joining method [43]. The percentage of replicate trees in which the associated taxa clustered together in the bootstrap test (500 replicates) are shown next to the branches [44]. Only the most conserved region of the RdRp was aligned and a total of 243 positions were included in the final dataset (exact positions for the translated ORF1 are indicated in the phylogenetic tree within parentheses by each taxa). Evolutionary analyses were conducted in MEGA7 [45]. Abbreviations and GenBank Accession numbers for regions of the translated ORF1 (shown in graph) used for analysis include SINV-5 (Solenopsis Invicta virus 5; MF593921), ABPV (Acute bee paralysis virus; NC002548), IAPV (Israeli acute bee paralysis virus; NC009025), KBV (Kashmir bee virus; NC004807), SINV-1 (Solenopsis Invicta virus 1; NC006559), CPV (Cricket paralysis virus; NC003924), DCV (Drosophila C virus; NC001834), MCV (Mud crab virus; NC014793), TaSV (Taura syndrome virus; NC003005), ALPV (Aphid lethal paralysis virus; NC004365), RhPV (Rhopalosiphum padi virus; NC001874), HoCV (Homalodisca coagulata virus 1; NC008029), PSIV (Plautia stali intestine virus; NC003779), HiPV (Himetobi P virus; NC003782), BQCV (Black queen cell virus; NC003784), TrV (Triatoma virus; NC003783).
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scavenging crickets orthoptera gryllidae transmit Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 to red imported fire ant hymenoptera formicidae colonies
Florida Entomologist, 2016Co-Authors: Sanford D. Porter, Steven M. Valles, Roberto M PereiraAbstract:Summary This study demonstrated that Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) can be mechanically transmitted among colonies of fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by scavengers like the house cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), which readily eat dead infected fire ant workers without becoming infected themselves.
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Solenopsis Invicta virus 3: pathogenesis and stage specificity in red imported fire ants.
Virology, 2014Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Sanford D. Porter, Andrew E. FirthAbstract:Solenopsis Invicta colonies were exposed to purified preparations of Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) to investigate virus pathogenesis at the colony level. Time course experiments revealed an infection exhibiting specificity for the adult stage (workers). SINV-3 genome and a capsid protein were increasingly present in worker ants with time. Northern blot analysis revealed two bands in RNA preparations from worker ants infected with SINV-3 corresponding to the genomic and sub-genomic species. Conversely, larval RNA preparations from SINV-3-infected colonies showed a near-complete absence of SINV-3 genome or sub-genome. The data confirm that SINV-3 is the etiological agent causing mortality among S. Invicta colonies in the laboratory. We propose that SINV-3 infection somehow alters worker ant behavior, which may prevent them from acquiring and/or distributing solid food to the larvae. Consequently, larval mortality and impaired queen health occur as a result of starvation or neglect by the worker caste.
Sanford D. Porter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Prospecting for viral natural enemies of the fire ant Solenopsis Invicta in Argentina - Fig 4
2018Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Sanford D. Porter, Luis A. CalcaterraAbstract:SINV-5 genome architecture (A), detection of replicative genome strand (B), and phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polyermase of SINV-5 and known dicistroviruses (C). (A) The SINV-5 genome is represented by the center black line and open reading frames by rectangles. Proteins with identity to an RNA helicase, protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (non-structural proteins) were detected within ORF 1 and those with identity to virus capsid proteins were detected in ORF 2. A short, overlapping ORF3 at the 5' end of ORF2 provides support for Aparavirus placement. (B) RT-PCR amplification of each SINV-5 genome strand. Replicative strand (lane 1), corresponding control (lane 2), positive strand (lane 3) and corresponding control (lane 4). (C) The evolutionary relationship of SINV-5 with known dicistroviruses by comparison of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from each virus inferred using the Neighbor-Joining method [43]. The percentage of replicate trees in which the associated taxa clustered together in the bootstrap test (500 replicates) are shown next to the branches [44]. Only the most conserved region of the RdRp was aligned and a total of 243 positions were included in the final dataset (exact positions for the translated ORF1 are indicated in the phylogenetic tree within parentheses by each taxa). Evolutionary analyses were conducted in MEGA7 [45]. Abbreviations and GenBank Accession numbers for regions of the translated ORF1 (shown in graph) used for analysis include SINV-5 (Solenopsis Invicta virus 5; MF593921), ABPV (Acute bee paralysis virus; NC002548), IAPV (Israeli acute bee paralysis virus; NC009025), KBV (Kashmir bee virus; NC004807), SINV-1 (Solenopsis Invicta virus 1; NC006559), CPV (Cricket paralysis virus; NC003924), DCV (Drosophila C virus; NC001834), MCV (Mud crab virus; NC014793), TaSV (Taura syndrome virus; NC003005), ALPV (Aphid lethal paralysis virus; NC004365), RhPV (Rhopalosiphum padi virus; NC001874), HoCV (Homalodisca coagulata virus 1; NC008029), PSIV (Plautia stali intestine virus; NC003779), HiPV (Himetobi P virus; NC003782), BQCV (Black queen cell virus; NC003784), TrV (Triatoma virus; NC003783).
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Prospecting for viral natural enemies of the fire ant Solenopsis Invicta in Argentina
2018Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Sanford D. Porter, Luis A. CalcaterraAbstract:Metagenomics and next generation sequencing were employed to discover new virus natural enemies of the fire ant, Solenopsis Invicta Buren in its native range (i.e., Formosa, Argentina) with the ultimate goal of testing and releasing new viral pathogens into U.S. S. Invicta populations to provide natural, sustainable control of this ant. RNA was purified from worker ants from 182 S. Invicta colonies, which was pooled into 4 groups according to location. A library was created from each group and sequenced using Illumina Miseq technology. After a series of winnowing methods to remove S. Invicta genes, known S. Invicta virus genes, and all other non-virus gene sequences, 61,944 unique singletons were identified with virus identity. These were assembled de novo yielding 171 contiguous sequences with significant identity to non-plant virus genes. Fifteen contiguous sequences exhibited very high expression rates and were detected in all four gene libraries. One contig (Contig_29) exhibited the highest expression level overall and across all four gene libraries. Random amplification of cDNA ends analyses expanded this contiguous sequence yielding a complete virus genome, which we have provisionally named Solenopsis Invicta virus 5 (SINV-5). SINV-5 is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with genome characteristics consistent with insect-infecting viruses from the family Dicistroviridae. Moreover, the replicative genome strand of SINV-5 was detected in worker ants indicating that S. Invicta serves as host for the virus. Many additional sequences were identified that are likely of viral origin. These sequences await further investigation to determine their origins and relationship with S. Invicta. This study expands knowledge of the RNA virome diversity found within S. Invicta populations.
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scavenging crickets orthoptera gryllidae transmit Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 to red imported fire ant hymenoptera formicidae colonies
Florida Entomologist, 2016Co-Authors: Sanford D. Porter, Steven M. Valles, Roberto M PereiraAbstract:Summary This study demonstrated that Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) can be mechanically transmitted among colonies of fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by scavengers like the house cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), which readily eat dead infected fire ant workers without becoming infected themselves.
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Solenopsis Invicta virus 3: pathogenesis and stage specificity in red imported fire ants.
Virology, 2014Co-Authors: Steven M. Valles, Sanford D. Porter, Andrew E. FirthAbstract:Solenopsis Invicta colonies were exposed to purified preparations of Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 (SINV-3) to investigate virus pathogenesis at the colony level. Time course experiments revealed an infection exhibiting specificity for the adult stage (workers). SINV-3 genome and a capsid protein were increasingly present in worker ants with time. Northern blot analysis revealed two bands in RNA preparations from worker ants infected with SINV-3 corresponding to the genomic and sub-genomic species. Conversely, larval RNA preparations from SINV-3-infected colonies showed a near-complete absence of SINV-3 genome or sub-genome. The data confirm that SINV-3 is the etiological agent causing mortality among S. Invicta colonies in the laboratory. We propose that SINV-3 infection somehow alters worker ant behavior, which may prevent them from acquiring and/or distributing solid food to the larvae. Consequently, larval mortality and impaired queen health occur as a result of starvation or neglect by the worker caste.
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host specificity and colony impacts of the fire ant pathogen Solenopsis Invicta virus 3
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 2013Co-Authors: Sanford D. Porter, Steven M. VallesAbstract:Abstract An understanding of host specificity is essential before pathogens can be used as biopesticides or self-sustaining biocontrol agents. In order to define the host range of the recently discovered Solenopsis Invicta virus 3 (SINV-3), we exposed laboratory colonies of 19 species of ants in 14 genera and 4 subfamilies to this virus. Despite extreme exposure during these tests, active, replicating infections only occurred in Solenopsis Invicta Buren and hybrid (S. Invicta × S. richteri) fire ant colonies. The lack of infections in test Solenopsis geminata fire ants from the United States indicates that SINV-3 is restricted to the saevissima complex of South American fire ants, especially since replicating virus was also found in several field-collected samples of the black imported fire ant, Solenopsis richteri Forel. S. Invicta colonies infected with SINV-3 declined dramatically with average brood reductions of 85% or more while colonies of other species exposed to virus remained uninfected and healthy. The combination of high virulence and high host specificity suggest that SINV-3 has the potential for use as either a biopesticide or a self-sustaining biocontrol agent.
Yoshinori Nakazawa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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environmental data sets matter in ecological niche modelling an example with Solenopsis Invicta and Solenopsis richteri
Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2007Co-Authors: A. T. Peterson, Yoshinori NakazawaAbstract:Aim In response to a recent paper suggesting the failure of ecological niche models to predict between native and introduced distributional areas of fire ants (Solenopsis Invicta), we sought to assess methodological causes of this failure. Location Ecological niche models were developed on the species’ native distributional area in South America, and projected globally. Methods We developed ecological niche models based on six different environmental data sets, and compared their respective abilities to anticipate the North American invasive distributional area of the species. Results We show that models based on the ‘bioclimatic variables’ of the WorldClim data set indeed fail to predict the full invasive potential of the species, but that models based on four other data sets could predict this potential correctly. Main conclusions The difference in predictive abilities appears to centre on the complexity of the environmental variables involved. These results emphasize important influences of environmental data sets on the generality and ability of ecological niche models to anticipate novel phenomena, and offer a simpler explanation for the lack of predictive ability among native and invaded distributional areas than that of niche shifts.
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environmental data sets matter in ecological niche modelling an example with Solenopsis Invicta and Solenopsis richteri
Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2007Co-Authors: A. T. Peterson, Yoshinori NakazawaAbstract:Aim In response to a recent paper suggesting the failure of ecological niche models to predict between native and introduced distributional areas of fire ants (Solenopsis Invicta), we sought to assess methodological causes of this failure. Location Ecological niche models were developed on the species’ native distributional area in South America, and projected globally. Methods We developed ecological niche models based on six different environmental data sets, and compared their respective abilities to anticipate the North American invasive distributional area of the species. Results We show that models based on the ‘bioclimatic variables’ of the WorldClim data set indeed fail to predict the full invasive potential of the species, but that models based on four other data sets could predict this potential correctly. Main conclusions The difference in predictive abilities appears to centre on the complexity of the environmental variables involved. These results emphasize important influences of environmental data sets on the generality and ability of ecological niche models to anticipate novel phenomena, and offer a simpler explanation for the lack of predictive ability among native and invaded distributional areas than that of niche shifts.
A. T. Peterson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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environmental data sets matter in ecological niche modelling an example with Solenopsis Invicta and Solenopsis richteri
Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2007Co-Authors: A. T. Peterson, Yoshinori NakazawaAbstract:Aim In response to a recent paper suggesting the failure of ecological niche models to predict between native and introduced distributional areas of fire ants (Solenopsis Invicta), we sought to assess methodological causes of this failure. Location Ecological niche models were developed on the species’ native distributional area in South America, and projected globally. Methods We developed ecological niche models based on six different environmental data sets, and compared their respective abilities to anticipate the North American invasive distributional area of the species. Results We show that models based on the ‘bioclimatic variables’ of the WorldClim data set indeed fail to predict the full invasive potential of the species, but that models based on four other data sets could predict this potential correctly. Main conclusions The difference in predictive abilities appears to centre on the complexity of the environmental variables involved. These results emphasize important influences of environmental data sets on the generality and ability of ecological niche models to anticipate novel phenomena, and offer a simpler explanation for the lack of predictive ability among native and invaded distributional areas than that of niche shifts.
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environmental data sets matter in ecological niche modelling an example with Solenopsis Invicta and Solenopsis richteri
Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2007Co-Authors: A. T. Peterson, Yoshinori NakazawaAbstract:Aim In response to a recent paper suggesting the failure of ecological niche models to predict between native and introduced distributional areas of fire ants (Solenopsis Invicta), we sought to assess methodological causes of this failure. Location Ecological niche models were developed on the species’ native distributional area in South America, and projected globally. Methods We developed ecological niche models based on six different environmental data sets, and compared their respective abilities to anticipate the North American invasive distributional area of the species. Results We show that models based on the ‘bioclimatic variables’ of the WorldClim data set indeed fail to predict the full invasive potential of the species, but that models based on four other data sets could predict this potential correctly. Main conclusions The difference in predictive abilities appears to centre on the complexity of the environmental variables involved. These results emphasize important influences of environmental data sets on the generality and ability of ecological niche models to anticipate novel phenomena, and offer a simpler explanation for the lack of predictive ability among native and invaded distributional areas than that of niche shifts.
Lei Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effects of maximum residue limit of triflumezopyrim exposure on fitness of the red imported fire ant Solenopsis Invicta
PeerJ, 2019Co-Authors: Fei Zhao, Qiuhong Tao, Jiaqian Gao, Lei WangAbstract:The impact of exposure to free feeding concentrations of triflumezopyrim to the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis Invicta, in maximum residue tolerances for 56 days was investigated to understand whether triflumezopyrim, a novel neonicotinoid, poses unacceptable risks to the environment. Our results demonstrated that neither 0.5 μg/ml nor 0.2 μg/ml triflumezopyrim have a significant impact on the growth of the S. Invicta colony and their food consumption (sugar water and locusts) during the length of treatment. While both 0.5 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ml triflumezopyrim improved the grasping ability of S. Invicta, and 0.5 μg/ml not 0.2 μg/ml triflumezopyrim increased their rate of locomotion. In addition, although 0.5 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ml triflumezopyrim increased their individual aggressiveness index, the probability of the survival of S. Invicta was not impacted by triflumezopyrim treatments in aggressive group encounters. This study suggests that triflumezopyrim did not have a negative impact on the fitness of S. Invicta at 0.5 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ml exposures.
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Scores on subscales of the PTSD checklist at different time periods after the most recent Solenopsis Invicta sting.
2018Co-Authors: Lei Wang, Ling Zeng, Xiong HuangAbstract:Scores on subscales of the PTSD checklist at different time periods after the most recent Solenopsis Invicta sting.
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Algorithm for the attribution of a diagnosis of a Solenopsis Invicta sting to the presence of characteristic lesions and clear evidence.
2018Co-Authors: Lei Wang, Ling Zeng, Xiong HuangAbstract:Algorithm for the attribution of a diagnosis of a Solenopsis Invicta sting to the presence of characteristic lesions and clear evidence.
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Mental health effects caused by red imported fire ant attacks (Solenopsis Invicta)
2018Co-Authors: Lei Wang, Ling Zeng, Xiong HuangAbstract:Susceptible individuals who have suffered painful stings caused by red imported fire ants, Solenopsis Invicta, usually experience physical health effects such as fever, dizziness, generalized urticaria, or other systemic reactions such as anaphylactic shock. Whether S. Invicta stings also have negative effects on mental health is not clear. In the present study, the psychological impact of S. Invicta stings was evaluated using a questionnaire that included a previously published posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 5th scale (PSQI(5)). A total of 96 valid questionnaires were obtained; 37 participants were placed in the stung group, and 59 participants were placed in the unstung group. Our results showed that symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances were not associated with S. Invicta stings (for GAD-7 scale, Pearson Chi-Square test, χ2 = 0.152, df = 1, P = 0.697; for the BAI, χ2 = 2.252, df = 1, P = 0.133; for the PHQ-9, χ2 = 0.098, df = 1, P = 0.754; for the PSQI(5), χ2 = 0.536, df = 1, P = 0.453). In total, 2 of 83 individuals stung by S. Invicta met the criteria (>50) for PTSD. However, there was no significant difference on PTSD between those stung by S. Invicta in the 30-day group and the over 30-day group (χ2 = 0.318, df = 1, P = 0.573). Overall, our data do not show an effect of S. Invicta stings on mental health as measured using a range of indicators.
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effect of isolation on life expectancy of red imported fire ant Solenopsis Invicta and tephritid fruit fly bactrocera dorsalis
Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2016Co-Authors: Lei Wang, Bertrand M RoehnerAbstract:Abstract The influence of conspecific interactions on behavior of individuals is an interesting topic, but with elusive proof. Here, we studied one species of ants Solenopsis Invicta (social insects) and one species of tephritid fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (non-social insect) to determine whether lifespan of organisms could be affected by changes in the number of individuals interacting. In our experiments, isolated individuals, and the individuals that were grouped every 10 insects, were compared. We found that “singles” had a shorter life expectancy than grouped individuals. We also observed the upsurge of death in 3–4 days after isolation in S. Invicta and B. dorsalis . This observation suggests an abrupt transition, which affects S. Invicta and B. dorsalis . Our study showed that lifespan of individuals can be affected by group effect, and the effect was not limited to eusocial insects. A hypothesis of initial shock effect, which occurred within 4 to 5 days after isolation, was suggested and need further research to prove it.