Alate (Swarming Ant)

Found worldwide in varied terrestrial habitats, usually emerging from established underground or wood-nesting colonies during warm, humid weather.

Varies widely by species, ranging from dead insects, plant nectar, seeds, and fungi to sweet substances produced by aphids.

Alates are reproductive males and females with wings that leave their parent colony en masse during 'nuptial flights' to mate and establish new colonies. Once mated, they shed their wings.

Generally harmless to humans (they do not sting unless provoked and are not the biting worker ants). They indicate a healthy local ecosystem and play a role in soil aeration and seed dispersal, though certain species can become structural pests if they establish colonies inside homes.