Scientists uncover mystery of kamikaze termites that blow themselves up to protect colony 21:49

A team of scientists from the Czech Academy of Sciences has uncovered a mechanism that allows the termite Neocapritermes taracua from French Guiana to fend off predatory attacks on its nest. The insects accumulate poisonous compounds in their bodies, which they then explode to infect their enemies when threatened. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Structure.

The analysis showed that N. taracua workers have a special pair of glands in their abdominal cavity that gradually secrete the blue laccase enzyme BP76 into pouches on their backs. As the termites mature, they fill their pouches with blue, copper-containing crystals.

Faced with a threat, workers mix the enzyme with relatively harmless secretions from their salivary glands. The result is a sticky chemical liquid filled with toxic benzoquinones. When this happens, the termite’s body explodes, spraying the poison in all directions.

Scientists have figured out how solid BP76 instantly transforms into a fluid state. The enzyme is found to be tightly folded, which helps it resist degradation over time. Sugar molecules bind to the substance’s proteins, further stabilizing it.

One of the most unusual features of BP76 was the rare and unusually strong chemical bond between two amino acids, lysine and cysteine. Such a bond is not typically found in enzymes and plays a critical role in maintaining BP76’s structure, especially when the enzyme is stored solid on a termite’s back.

Scientists have noted that termites become chemical bombs when they age, when their mandibles become dull, preventing the insects from fighting effectively and obtaining food. The older workers then sacrifice themselves to keep the colony safe.

Previous researchers to create In Africa, the oldest active termite mounds in the world are more than 34 thousand years old.