Kamikaze termites blow themselves up with ‘explosive’ backpacks to kill enemies

Kamikaze termites are packing a defence mechanism that can kill their enemies.

The catchily-named neocapritermes taracua worker termites carry blue spotted “rucksacks” that contain a toxic liquid they can detonate at will. Boffins researching the French Guiana based critters discovered they explode their payload when they feel threatened.

As the scientists explored more, they learned the workers have special glands in their bellies that gradually produce the enzyme blue laccase BP76, which collects in pockets on their backs. With age, the termites build up “rucksacks” filled with blue crystals that have copper in them.

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When threatened they rupture their bodies, mixing the enzyme with liquids in their salivary glands, which results in a highly poisonous release that can immobilize or kill predators.

Researchers have now figured out how the creatures safely carry their dangerous backpacks and set them off when needed.

They were confused about how BP76 could stay solid on the termites’ backs but still be ready to react quickly when it broke. But the August 15 study in the journal, Structure, revealed the enzyme is tightly folded, which helps it resist degradation over time.

Jana Škerlová, the lead author of the study from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Czech Academy of Sciences, stated the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme shows that BP76 uses different methods to stay stable.

The way termites can reliably hold and increase this enzyme over time is vital for safeguarding their colony.

Previous research suggested older termites might not be as good at finding food or taking care of the nest because their mandibles become worn out over time. And, knowing their working days were numbered, they may offer themselves up for one final, deadly act to protect their colony.

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