Winged Ant (Alate)

Natural Habitat

Winged ants are found globally in nearly all terrestrial habitats where ant colonies can establish. During their nuptial flights, they can be seen flying in the open air, often attracted to lights at night. Once a new queen establishes a nest, it can be in soil, under rocks, in wood, or even within human structures.

Diet & Feeding

The diet of ants varies greatly by species. While winged ants themselves are primarily focused on reproduction and typically do not feed extensively during their nuptial flight, the colony they originate from and the new colony they may found feed on a wide range of substances including honeydew from aphids, other insects (both living and dead), seeds, fungi, and human food scraps.

Behavior Patterns

Alate ants, or 'swarmers,' emerge from their nests during specific times of the year (often after rain) to participate in mating flights. They fly to mate with alates from other colonies. After mating, the fertile female (queen) sheds her wings and seeks a suitable location to start a new colony, while the males typically die soon after mating.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: While nuisance and potential for structural damage in the case of carpenter ants. Most ants are harmless, but some species can bite or sting. Large numbers of alates inside a home can indicate an established colony nearby. Benefits: Ants play crucial roles in ecosystems, including soil aeration, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and as predators or prey in food webs.

Identified on: 8/9/2025