Kamikaze termites in French Guiana have evolved a unique defense mechanism — carrying "rucksacks" filled with a toxic liquid that they can trigger to explode, poisoning their enemies in the process. Now, scientists have solved the mystery of how these deadly backpacks can be safely carried around then detonated on demand.
In 2012, researchers discovered that older Neocapritermes taracua worker termites are armed with blue spotted backpacks that explode when they are threatened.
