Viruses of ants and termites: a review

Viruses of soil-dwelling invertebrates remain poorly studied. Viruses of eusocial insects are of special interest as they can serve as a model for studying the spread of viruses via social interactions. In this review, we aim to compile and actualize the available information on the diversity of viruses associated with soil-dwelling social insects, termites and ants. Both groups are among the most functionally important soil invertebrates and include numerous pests and invasive species. We analyzed 93 articles dedicated to viral findings in these groups. Viruses were found in 54 species of ants and 28 species of termites. In sum, 270 viruses and viral genetic variants from over 16 viral orders were found to date in soil-dwelling social insects. Complete information on viruses detected in termites and ants, including insect species, viral name, species, replication status, and GenBank accession number is provided. For most of the novel viruses, replication in the insect was not yet confirmed. We encourage more studies of the virome of ants and termites, which should pay more attention to viral replication and infection symptoms.