Yes, some termites do have four wings. These winged termites, known as swarmers or alates, are a natural part of the colony’s life cycle. They play a role in expanding and establishing new colonies.
The Alate Caste: Termites with Wings
Not all termites possess wings; only the reproductive members of a colony, known as alates or swarmers, develop them. These winged termites are male and female that emerge from mature colonies. Their purpose is to leave their original nest, find a mate, and establish a new colony.
This dispersal flight, often triggered by warm temperatures and high humidity, helps the species propagate. After their flight, successful alates shed their wings and become the king and queen of a new termite society. This process ensures the growth and spread of termite populations.
Identifying Termite Wings
Termite alates have four wings, equal in size, shape, and venation. These wings are translucent or smoky and can be longer than the termite’s body. The wings are delicate and easily shed after the swarming flight. Finding discarded wings near windows or light sources can be a sign of termite activity.
Termites vs. Ants: A Key Distinction
Distinguishing winged termites from winged ants can be challenging, but several features set them apart. Termites have straight antennae, unlike ants, which have elbowed or bent antennae. Another difference lies in their body shape. Termites have a broad, straight waist, giving their body a more uniform width, while ants have a narrow, pinched waist.
Their wings also differ. Termites have four wings of equal size and uniform length, and these wings are clear or pale. In contrast, winged ants have two pairs of wings where the front pair is larger than the back pair, and their wings can appear smoky or tinted.
What Winged Termites Signify
The presence of winged termites, especially indoors, indicates an active termite colony. Swarming termites are reproductive individuals leaving a mature colony to establish new ones. If these swarmers are observed inside a home, it suggests that a termite colony is either within the structure or very close by.
Their appearance signals that the colony has reached a size and maturity capable of reproduction. This means that worker termites from the established colony may already be causing damage to wooden structures. Finding winged termites or their shed wings should prompt further investigation.