What causes “flying ants” to come out?
Most people would know these winged creatures as flying ants, but in fact they are winged termites, “also referred to as the reproductive caste”. Winged termites emerge after rain in large numbers from holes in the soil through tubes made by worker termites.
Only a small percentage survives to form new colonies. Many are eaten by predators like birds, scorpions and many other hungry creepy crawlies. Many will also die from natural causes before they locate a mate or a nest site.
Studies have shown that it takes years before a newly established colony will produce termite swarmers, up to 4 years; with less favorable conditions, it may even take longer.
Wayne – Kapama River Lodge
07/12/2012
