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to fly ants in return for termites are often mistaken for each other, and it’s certainly an easy mistake to make when they’re both in their flight phase. Even when they are not flying, they usually live in the same locations and habitats and may look similar in shape and color at first glance. However, they are not quite the same.
So, what makes these two small? insects part? Well, they have vastly different wings and differently shaped antennae and bellies. Not only that, but one mates for life and one doesn’t. For one of them, the male even lives just a few days after mating! Join us as we discover all the differences that separate flying ants and termites!
Comparing termites to flying ants
Although flying ants and termites both fly, they are not typically flying insects and only fly at certain times of the year when they mate and set out to establish new colonies. In fact, flying ants are just ants who have been given wings for this exact purpose. However, despite their similarities, there are some key differences that make distinguishing the two much easier.
Check out the chart below to learn some of the key differences.
| termites | flying ants | |
| Measure | Up to 1 inch long | Between 0.1 and 2 inches |
| Venue | Every continent except Antarctica | everywhere except Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, and some small island states |
| Colour | White, dark brown or black | Red, red-brown or black |
| Antenna | Straight away | Krom |
| wings | Both pairs are the same size and length, about twice the length of their bodies | Wings are proportional to their body, second pair much smaller than first pair |
| abdominal muscle | Wide, straight stomach | Slim Belly, Pinched Waist |
| eating pattern | Dead plants and trees | Leaves, seeds, nectar and small insects |
The 6 main differences between flying ants and termites
Flying Ants vs Termites: Size
Termites can range in size from an eighth of an inch to an inch in length. It depends on the individual species of ant, but flying ants usually range between 0.1 and 2 inches in length, although some can be larger.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: Color
Termites are usually creamy white, dark brown or black in color. Flying ants are generally red, reddish brown or black.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: Antenna
One of the main differences between flying ants and termites is the difference in their antennae. Termites have straight antennae while flying ants have curved antennae that look like they have elbows.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: Wings
The biggest and most noticeable difference between flying ants and termites is their wings. Although both have two pairs of wings, they differ greatly in size. Termites have large wings that are about twice as long as their bodies. However, both pairs are the same size and length. Flying ants have wings that are much more in proportion to the size of their bodies, but their second pair is much smaller than their first pair.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: Belly
Another noticeable difference is the appearance of their abdomen. Termites have a broad, straight abdomen, while flying ants have a thin abdomen and wedged waist.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: Diet
Termites are detritivores, meaning they feed on dead plants and trees, although wood makes up most of their diet. They get their nutrients from cellulose found in wood and plants. Flying ants eat a variety of leaves, seeds, nectar and small insects like spiders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are termites and flying ants related?
No, although they are both insects, they are not closely related. Flying ants are of the order Hymenoptera which is a large group of insects and includes: wasps and bees. Termites are of the order Blattodea which consists of only termites and cockroaches.
Are flying ants just ants with wings?
Yes, flying ants are basically common ants with wings. They are males and young queens on their way to establish a new colony. This is so that the queens can mate with males from another colony. These winged individuals are known as alaten. The wings usually develop in a few weeks, turning ants into flying ants. Once they have their wings, flying ants take to the skies to look for a mate, and once they have found a mate, mating is usually done in the air – known as the nuptial flight. Once successfully mated, queens usually chew off their wings and begin to look for a suitable place to nest and start a new colony. Males only exist to mate and usually die a few days later.
Do termites mate for life?
Yes, they do that quite often. Unlike ants, where the male lives for only a short time after mating, termite colonies have a resident king and queen. The couple is monogamous and usually partners for life. Termite alates leave their colony to look for a mate, and once they have found a mate, they look for a suitable nesting spot. The new king and queen do not mate until they have found their nest and spend the rest of their lives in it. The king is needed to constantly supply the queen with sperm.
Do flying ants have predators?
Yes, dragonflies are the main predators of flying ants, just like spiders, birds, lizards, and others insects.
Do termites have predators?
Yes, ants are one of the main predators of termites, but spiders, scorpions,
dragonflies, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, lizards, frogs, and toads also hunt them.
Do flying ants and termites live in the same habitat?
Yes, they both live in similar habitats. Termites can nest underground, in stumps, in treetops, or in any structure made of wood. The individual species of ants determine exactly what habitat they live in, but flying ants are usually found in and around trees and vegetation. However, it is important to remember that flying ants only have their wings for a short time and spend most of them looking for a mate.
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