Autothysis 1054394 220964514 2008-06-22T12:43:30Z DOI bot 6652755 Citation maintenance. You can [[WP:DOI|use this bot]] yourself! Please [[User:DOI_bot/bugs|report any bugs]]. '''Autothysis''' is the process where an organism, like a [[termite]], destroys itself via an internal rupturing or explosion of an organ which ruptures the skin. This is caused by a release of pressure in a fluid filling the organ. Termites release a sticky secretion by rupturing a gland near the skin in their neck producing a [[tar baby]] effect in defense against ants. It is a form of suicidal [[altruism in animals|altruism]]. ==References== *{{cite journal |quotes=no |author=C. Bordereau, A. Robert, V. Van Tuyen & A. Peppuy |year=1997 |title=Suicidal defensive behavior by frontal gland dehiscence in ''Globitermes sulphureus'' Haviland soldiers (Isoptera) |journal=[[Insectes Sociaux]] |volume=44|issue=3 |pages=289–297 |doi=10.1007/s000400050049}} ==See also== *[[Self destruct]] {{exploding organisms}} [[Category:Exploding animals]] [[Category:Insect ecology]] {{biology-stub}}