Researchers from the Academy of Science of the Republic Czehch and Free University of Brussels found that termites parents choose to commit suicide if attacked.
It is known through research Neocapriterme taracua termite species in French Guiana. The research team found that some individual termites have blue spots as well as his body exploded when it is held.
Photo: Robert Hanus
Allegations of suicidal behavior demonstrated by experiment that has termites contracting spots speckled with blue and not the other termites.
The results show the truth of suicidal behavior. Termites with blue spots will blow themselves when there is a strike. Meanwhile, termites are not able to commit suicide spots as well, but tend to be reluctant to do so.
Analysis by microscopy showed that the crystal blue spots in a bag which is located near the salivary glands of termites. When the bag exploded as termites who committed suicide, crystal, saliva and haemolymph mixed, produce toxins that are deadly to termites or other small insects.
Observations also showed that the termites that have the spots are old termite, while the young termites completely white.
Yves Roisin, an evolutionary biologist from the Free University told the New York Times said: "When young, they are entirely white. When age, mandibulanya 'sag', so effectively no longer to eat, but they developed crystals to defend itself. "
Spots and the development of suicidal behavior is a form of adaptation termites. This adaptation was developed by the worker termites.
"To ensure that they are still useful in the colony, taking the old termite defensive role," said Robert Hanus, researchers from the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic, as quoted by New Scientist.
Blasting away and the weapons to defend itself has actually been found in many groups of insects such as termites. However, chemical weapons such as the new taracua Neocapriterme termites were first discovered.
Explosion of the species themselves, Hanus said, is "One of the amazing explosion were found."
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