Labor division of worker ants can be controlled by insulin synthesis targeted through miR-279c-5p in Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

We first report that miR-279c-5p is a novel regulator that promotes labor division by negatively regulating the target gene Rab8A by controlling insulin production in ants. This miRNA-mediated mechanism is significant for understanding the behavioral plasticity of social insects between complex factors and potentially provides new targets for controlling red imported fire ants. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.