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

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