how to separate termites from flying ants

When many people see flying ants, they don't know whether they are ants or termites. But it's really easy to learn to separate these two groups of insects. The information on this page should help people answer the questions "What do termites look like?" and "Are the insects I'm seeing termites or flying ants?"

termites

All 4 wings are similar in size and shape.

 

 

Antennae look like a straight row of round beads. The abdomen and thorax do not have a constriction between them.

 

 

ants

 

Forewings and hindwings are different in size and shape.

 

 

The abdomen and thorax have a constriction between them. Antennae are elbowed. they have a sharp bend; they do not look like a row of beads.

 

updated 23 December 2011