We are often puzzled and confused while observing winged insects found around our homes and we think whether it’s a termite or not. One common thing is that both the termites and ants may have a swarming stage. But If we look closer there is obviously difference between an ant and a termite.

Following are some significant characteristics to help us make a determination:

In Termite Reproductives:
• Wings are like paddle shaped and normally twice the size of their body
• The antennae are quite straight and rather short
• The body keeps only two major parts: head and abdomen that is ribbed as one continuous piece.

While

In Ant Reproductives:
• The Wings are to an extent pointed and only a little longer than their body length.
• They have curved antennae.
• Their body is consist of three prominent parts i.e. head, thorax and abdomen

Before flight season the alates develop in the colony from immature stages. As soon as alates experience suitable weather i.e. light, wind and temperature, they leave the colony and fly away. This evacuation of alates from a colony is called dispersal or nuptial flight, which is usually known as swarming; that is why alates have distinct recognition as swarmers.

The male and female termite look for damp piece of wood or soil to start a new colony. So far as ants are concerned, their swarming process is different. Male and female alates usually leave their place and after the female is inseminated, the male dies. This fertilized female is then in search of new nesting place. The selection of nest depends upon the kind of ants.

Swarming termites are considered as flying ants but that is a mistake because they only look like ants.

Article written by Peter Vandenberg for drywoodtermites.info for a study of termites vs ants.

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