Social Isolation on Behavior and Physiology in the Model Gromphadorhina Portentosa

Overview

The unique social, environmental, and economic conditions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to serious public health concerns worldwide. Social isolation is a potential suspect closely related to worsened mental, behavioral, and physiological health, which disproportionately affects marginalized groups. Using Gromphadorhina Portentosa (Madagascar Hissing Cockroach or MHC) as a behavioral model for complex social behaviors, this study aims to assess the effects of social isolation on 1) exploratory behavior using AI-powered video-analytic techniques and 2) glucose metabolism through hemolymph (blood-equivalent in insects) glucose quantification. A 2x2 randomized experiment was designed to study these effects with four treatment groups (socialized late instars, isolated late instars, socialized early instars, and isolated early instars). The data analysis showed that social isolation was related to decreased exploratory behavior, and this effect was more pronounced in early instars than in late instars. Additionally, social isolation led to heightened hemolymph glucose levels and weight loss in early instars but did not affect glucose levels in late instars. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of the behavioral and biological effects of social isolation on G. Portentosa, raising awareness of the negative health-related consequences of social isolation.

Competition history

• AJAS 2024 Category not listed

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