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Created: 2011-09-23
Updated: 2011-09-23

Chemicals used in defense: termites

Different termite species protect themselves using various chemical poisons.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from biotic factors >
	Animals

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Pest control products for disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, agricultural pest control products.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Florida resident Prorhinotermes are created possessing a poison rubbing technique. They make use of chemicals called 'nitroalkane' as poisons. Many other termites also use methods involving the application of poisons, but the amazing point is the different chemical structures of all these poisons. For instance, an African Schedorhinotermes utilise 'vinyl ketones'. Guyanan termites have 'B-ketoaldehydes' and Armitermes termites have a 'molecular string' as poison and chemicals called 'esters' or 'lactones' as their weapons. All of these poisons immediately react with biological molecules and cause death." (Yahya 2002:120-121)

About the inspiring organism

Isoptera
Isoptera

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Pest control products for disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, agricultural pest control products.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medical, agriculture

References

Harun Yahya. 2002. Design in Nature. London: Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd. 180 p.