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How can I tell the difference between flying ants and termites?

Last Updated: February 23, 2012

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The winged forms (alates) of some species of ants and termites are often confused, especially during termite swarming season.



Ant alate
  • Ants have a thin waist (a narrow area between the thorax and first abdominal segment). 
  • Front pair of wings is larger than the hind pair. 
  • Wings have few veins and are usually clear.

Termite alate
  • Termite thorax and abdomen are broadly connected. 
  • Four wings are approximately the same size and shape. 
  • Wings have many veins and may be milky-colored.
Anatomical differences between ant alate (top) and termite alate (bottom).  Drawings courtesy of University of Florida Extension. 

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