Winged ants often appear suddenly, prompting questions about their behavior, particularly if they bite. These insects are a common sight, especially during warmer periods. Understanding what winged ants are helps clarify common misconceptions.
The Role of Winged Ants
Winged ants, known as alates or swarmers, are reproductive members of an ant colony. They develop wings for reproduction and the establishment of new colonies.
These swarming events, known as “nuptial flights,” typically occur during warm, humid weather, often after rainfall. Winged ants can appear over several weeks, usually between June and September, depending on the species and local climate. During these flights, male and female alates from different colonies mate in the air. After mating, male ants generally die within a few days. Fertilized female alates, now potential queen ants, shed their wings and seek a suitable location to establish a new colony, where they will lay eggs.
Do They Bite or Sting?
Winged ants can bite, but severity depends on the species. All adult ants possess mandibles and can use them to pinch. For many common species, a bite is generally minor and often goes unnoticed or causes mild irritation. Some species, like carpenter ants, can bite and might spray formic acid into the wound, leading to a mild burning sensation.
Some ant species, such as fire ants, are capable of both biting and stinging. When a fire ant “bites,” it grips the skin with its mandibles, then injects venom through a stinger on its abdomen. This sting delivers venom that can cause pain, a burning sensation, redness, and swelling, often forming a pus-filled blister. Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but can occur in sensitive individuals. Winged ants do not actively seek out humans to bite or sting unless threatened or disturbed.
Ants Versus Termites
Winged ants are often confused with winged termites due to their similar appearance during swarming events. However, distinct physical characteristics allow for differentiation. One key difference lies in their antennae: winged ants have distinctly bent or “elbowed” antennae, while winged termites have straight, bead-like antennae.
Another distinguishing feature is their body structure. Winged ants have a segmented body with a constricted, “pinched” waist. In contrast, winged termites have a broader, more uniform body without a noticeable constricted waist, appearing less segmented.
While both have four wings, winged ants have two pairs of unequal size, with front wings typically larger than hind wings. Winged termites, however, have two pairs of wings that are roughly equal in length and often appear translucent. Termite wings are also often twice as long as their body.