
Community identification
Termite Alate (Swarmers)
Isoptera
- Order & Family
- Order: Blattodea, Family: Termitidae/Rhinotermitidae
- Size
- Approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches (including wings)
Natural Habitat
Found in soil, wooden structures, or flying in groups during mating seasons; often enter homes through small cracks.
Diet & Feeding
Cellulose-based materials such as wood, leaf litter, soil, and paper products.
Behavior Patterns
Emerge in large numbers to mate and start new colonies; they shed their wings shortly after landing and seek moisture and wood.
Risks & Benefits
Potential major structural damage to homes and buildings; ecologically beneficial for decomposing dead wood and recycling nutrients into the soil.