Dear colleagues,

This issue marks some changes for Insectes Sociaux. Foremost is that the editors have decided to adopt a new format for references in articles. This decision came with some agony, as there was a simple elegance to the old format, as well as a long tradition behind the use of that format. Changes in the publishing world, however, have caused many journals to adopt reference formats provided by their publishers and Insectes Sociaux is now joining that procession. For some time the reference format in the author instructions on the journal website has been at odds with the traditional format. This difference has cost considerable time for both authors and editors as many papers are received from authors who have followed the online instructions and either they must then change the references in a revision or the journal editor must make the changes. As difficult as it has been to accept this change, the efficiencies gained for everyone will pay off in more time devoted to research by authors and more time for thoughtful decision making by the editors. This issue contains some articles in the old format and some in the new; future issues will rely on the new format, which authors can find in the online instructions for submission of papers.

The second change is one in editorial process. In the past, the journal had allowed 180 days for authors to make revisions to manuscripts. In our experience most authors waited about 160 days and then made the revisions, as it is only human nature to wait until the pressure of the deadline builds. To speed the publication cycle and make the content in our journal more timely, we have changed the revision deadline to 60 days from the decision date. We will, of course, be generous with extensions if conflicting work commitments, time required for completion of additional analyses, time to collect more data, or other factors interfere with meeting this deadline.

Michael Breed

Editor-in-Chief