Subterranean Termite Alate

Natural Habitat

Nests are typically found underground or in moist wooden structures. Alates (swarmers) emerge from these nests to fly and start new colonies.

Diet & Feeding

Cellulose-based materials, primarily wood, paper, and plant debris, which they digest with the help of symbiotic protozoa in their gut.

Behavior Patterns

Alates are the reproductive members of the colony. They swarm in large numbers during the spring or after rain to mate and establish new colonies. Once they land, they shed their wings.

Risks & Benefits

High risk of structural damage to homes and buildings as they consume wood. In the ecosystem, they are beneficial as they decompose dead wood and return nutrients to the soil.

Identified on: 3/17/2026