Winged Ant Alate

Inhabits underground or wood-based colonies; winged forms emerge to find new nesting sites in gardens, lawns, or structures.

Adult alates typically do not feed during their swarming flight; the colony they come from eats nectar, seeds, or other insects.

These are reproductive males and females that swarm in a 'nuptial flight' to mate. After mating, the females (queens) shed their wings to start new colonies.

Generally harmless to humans but can indicate a nearby nest. Beneficial to the ecosystem by aerating soil and serving as food for birds and other insects.