THE STATE OF THE ART IN ANT BEHAVIOR RESEARCH IN BRAZIL

This chapter provides a synthesis of contemporary research on ant behavior in Brazil over the last decade. We assess the diversity of ant species, research approaches and behavioral aspects studied in Brazil. By integrating an ethological perspective with recent advances in ecology, behavioral ecology, and applied entomology, we explore how ant behavior is modulated by ecological interactions, immediate causes, and developmental plasticity, and discuss its adaptive value and implications for management strategies. Behavioral research on ants in Brazil reveals a great diversity of topics, including foraging, division of labor, social dynamics regulation, communication, intra- and interspecific interactions, highlighting the ecological and social complexity of these eusocial insects. In the supplementary material, we present the socio-academic profile of the researchers in the field, which reveals significant gender imbalance and regional disparities, pointing to a broader need for actions that promote equity in the field. Finally, this chapter should not be viewed as a definitive survey, but rather as a starting point to encourage and inspire continued multidisciplinary collaboration among students, researchers, and professionals committed to understanding the diverse and intricate behavioral world of ants in Brazil.