Popular Science News | Termite Suicide Bombers

Popular Science News | Termite Suicide Bombers

Recent research has discovered that termite soldier ants work with specially adapted termite suicide bombers. It appears that in some species older termites develop ‘backpacks’ which contain two different kinds of chemicals which when mixed together produce an explosive. Mixed with termite glandular secretions the substance also becomes corrosive.

These explosive termites, when needed, join other soldiers in the defence of the colony. As they age they had ceased to be able to perform their other duties and so this change has extended their usefulness to the colony.

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