Termites Turn into Chemical Bombs: A Deep Dive Into N. taracua’s Defense Strategy
A team of scientists from the Czech Academy of Sciences has uncovered a remarkable defense mechanism in the termite Neocapritermes taracua, native to French Guiana. The insects store potent toxins in their bodies and release them as a defensive explosion when their nest is threatened. The discovery appears in a study published by Structure.
Researchers found that N. taracua workers harbor a unique pair of abdominal glands. These glands gradually secrete the blue laccase enzyme BP76 into back-mounted pouches. As workers mature, they fill these pouches with blue, copper-rich crystals, preparing for potential confrontations.
When danger looms, the workers blend the enzyme with relatively harmless secretions from the salivary glands. The mixture becomes a sticky, toxic liquid rich in benzoquinones. If the threat escalates, the termite’s body ruptures, dispersing the potent chemical liquid in every direction and creating a dangerous cloud for attackers.
Ongoing analysis reveals how solid BP76 can instantly liquefy. The enzyme stays folded tightly, a design that guards it against breakdown over time. Sugar molecules attach to BP76’s proteins, further stabilizing the solid storage form and enabling rapid activation when needed.
One of the study’s striking findings is the rare bond between two amino acids, lysine and cysteine, in BP76. This strong bond is uncommon in enzymes and is crucial for maintaining the enzyme’s structure while it remains stored on the termite’s back. When the toxin is released, this structure supports a swift transition from solid to liquid, driving effective dispersal of the chemical spray.
Researchers also observed a clear pattern: older workers, with worn mandibles and diminished fighting ability, shift from foraging and defense to a sacrificial role. In aging castes, these termites help safeguard the colony by triggering the chemical defense at a distance, ensuring the nest remains protected even when direct confrontation is less feasible.
Studies note that some of the world’s oldest active termite mounds are found in Africa, with sites exceeding 34,000 years of age. This longevity underscores the importance of understanding termite defense strategies, which balance individual risk with colony survival and ecological niche defense.