Coptotermes gestroi soldier with latex-like secretion (IMAGE)

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University

Coptotermes gestroi soldier with latex-like secretion

Caption

Coptotermes gestroi soldier termite, commonly known as the Asian subterranean termite. The latex-like secretion at the mandibles is a defensive response and serves to both make it more difficult for predators to attack or consume the termite, while also signaling other termites about the attack, allowing for coordinated defense. The secretion also has antimicrobial properties.

Credit

Thomas Chouvenc, UF/IFAS.

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CC BY

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