Termite Alate (Swarmer)

Subterranean nests, decaying wood, or inside building structures with high moisture

Cellulose from wood, paper, and plant materials; processed by symbiotic gut protozoa

Alates emerge in large swarms during spring or after rain to find mates and establish new colonies; they shed wings shortly after landing

Structural risk to homes and wood buildings; ecological benefit by decomposing dead wood and recycling nutrients back into the soil