The termite Neocapritermes taracua sacrifices itself by releasing caustic foam to protect its colony, showcasing selfless behavior common in social insects, like flying ants.
The unique mechanism of the blue laccase BP76 enzyme in Neocapritermes taracua highlights the evolutionary strategies of colonial insects to defend their nests against intruders.
The deliberate separation of a less harmful molecule from blue laccase BP76 until attacked allows the termite to create a deadly toxin, crucial for nest defense.
Jana Skerlova emphasizes that self-sacrifice in social insects, observed in Neocapritermes taracua and flying ants, ensures the survival of genes through protecting their kin.
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