Termite Alate (Swarmer)
Scientific Name: Reticulitermes flavipes (common species)
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea; Family: Rhinotermitidae
Size: Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (including wings)
Natural Habitat
Found in soil, moist wood, or inside buildings during swarming events. They typically live in underground colonies.
Diet & Feeding
Cellulose found in wood, paper, and plant materials. They use specialized gut Protozoa to digest these fibers.
Behavior Patterns
Reproductive termites swarm in large numbers during spring to mate and establish new colonies. They drop their wings shortly after flight.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or sting humans, but they pose a significant risk of structural damage to homes by consuming wooden support beams. In ecosystems, they benefit the environment by breaking down dead wood.
Identified on: 2/28/2026