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How to tell an ant from a termite

Winged termite

Winged ant

Ants are sometimes mistaken for winged termites called swarmers.

Ants are different from termites by having a narrow, constricted waist, bent antennae and hind wings shorter than front wings.

Termites have a more rectangular-shaped body with no constrictions; straight, beaded antennae; and four wings of equal size and shape that are much longer than the body. Termite wings fall off easily and are usually found near where they emerge.

Ants are commonly seen in the open, as are winged termites when they swarm. But termite workers, which are creamy-white and wingless, avoid light and are rarely seen unless disturbed.

Biology of ants

Ant castes

Typical ant castes, from left to right: queen, winged male, major worker, minor worker

Ants live in colonies and are divided into different castes: workers, males and queens. Different castes have different responsibilities in the nest.

Workers are sterile, wingless females. Some ants vary in size and are divided into major (large) and minor (small) workers. The workers take care of the work in the nest, including expanding the nest, food gathering, caring for the eggs and larvae, and defense of the nest

The reproductive members of the colony are the males and queens.

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