How Kamikaze termites could safely carry their backpacks filled with toxic liquid before they detonate them on demand has baffled scientists for years. But, not anymore! Scientists have finally determined how older termites like the Neocapritermes taracuaI live their lives carrying sacks of poison and what triggers their final act of bravery to protect their colony.
Blue Spotted Backpacks
The N. taracua workers aren’t lethal from a young age, this is a specialized job saved for the older termites nearing the end of their lives. These worker termites have specialized glands in their abdomens that gradually secrete the blue laccase enzyme into the sacks (or backpacks) on their backs. And as they age, these backpacks accumulate copper-containing blue enzyme crystals.
Kamikaze
When their colony is faced with a threat, these older N. taracua workers rupture their bodies during a process called autothysis. As they rupture the toxic blue laccase enzyme mixes with secretions produced in their salivary glands, resulting in a sticky liquid filled with poisonous benzoquinones which immobilizes or kills their predators. So basically, the older termite workers explode with toxic liquid-filled backpacks to protect their colony from danger, Kamikaze style.
But, How?
The question that bothered scientists the most was: How do the termites remain safe carrying their toxic backpacks? And they finally found the answer! After studying the toxic blue enzyme, scientists determined that the enzyme is tightly folded which helps prevent its degradation. They also discovered that the enzyme has a special bond acting like a lock mechanism retaining the enzyme’s shape and ensuring it remains functional and ready to be used in case of emergency!
Heroes
The scientists also have a theory as to why it is only the older N. taracua workers carrying these deadly backpacks with them. As the termites age, their mandibles (jaws) aren’t as efficient making them less effective at foraging or maintaining their nests compared to the younger workers. But, just because they are old doesn’t mean they are less valuable! Their toxic liquid-filled backpacks allow the older workers to provide a final, yet deadly, act to protect their colony.
Autothysis
The process of autothysis, or defensive suicidal rupturing, isn’t uncommon among social insects. In fact, this self-destructive behavior is often seen among sterile worker insects such as honeybees and other termites. Through this, these older insects perform a selfless act in the best interest of their colony.
Last Thoughts
This Kamikaze act from the Neocapritermes taracuaI termite is another prime example of social animals working together to ensure the best chance of survival for their colonies. As well how if we ask the right questions, some clever scientists somewhere might just find the answers!
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