The sudden appearance of flying insects that quickly shed their wings is a reproductive event central to the life cycle of termites. This phenomenon marks the dispersal stage of the colony, where specialized winged individuals leave their established home to search for a new place to reproduce. The discarding of wings is a necessary step that transforms a dispersing flier into a ground-based founder of a new termite society. This action is the clearest indication that a mature colony has reached a size capable of expansion, signaling the start of a new generation.
The Termite Swarmers
The winged termites seen during this event are the reproductive caste, known scientifically as alates or swarmers. They are the only members of the colony to possess functional eyes and two pairs of long, equally-sized wings. Their purpose is to participate in the nuptial flight, a synchronized mass exit from the parent colony that occurs only once the colony is mature, which can take up to four years. The timing of the swarm depends on environmental triggers, such as warm temperatures combined with high humidity, often following a rain event in the spring or early summer. This dispersal flight is short-lived and represents the only time these social insects are visible outside of their hidden network of tunnels and galleries.
The Biological Purpose of Dropping Wings
The act of wing shedding, scientifically termed dealation, is a deliberate and irreversible action required for the next phase of reproduction. The wings serve their purpose solely for the brief dispersal flight, carrying the alates away from the parent colony to avoid resource competition. Once the swarmer lands and finds a mate, the wings become a liability that would hinder crawling, burrowing, and colony establishment.
The mechanism for dealation is a specialized anatomical feature called the basal suture, a pre-formed fracture line located at the base of the wing where it connects to the thorax. When the moment is right, the termite intentionally exerts pressure on this suture, often by twisting its body or bending its abdomen toward the wings, causing a clean break. This ability to snap off the wings on demand is a survival adaptation; the now wingless termite, or dealate, is more streamlined and better equipped to crawl into tight crevices and burrow into soil or wood. Shedding the wings reduces the risk of entanglement or being snagged by predators, allowing the new king and queen to concentrate on finding a protected site for their new home.
The Search for a New Colony Site
Once the wings are discarded, the focus of the dealate shifts from dispersal to finding a mate and establishing a new colony. The male and female pair off, engaging in a distinctive behavior known as “tandem running,” where the male closely follows the female, with his antennae touching her abdomen. This process allows the pair to remain connected while jointly searching for a protected microhabitat to found their colony.
The pair’s objective is to locate a secluded space with moisture and a reliable food source, such as damp wood or soil. They must quickly find a location to burrow, as prolonged exposure increases the risk of desiccation or predation. After finding a suitable spot, the pair excavates a small chamber, mates, and seals themselves inside, with the female assuming her role as the founding queen and the male as the founding king. This tiny chamber, called the nuptial chamber, is where the queen lays her first batch of eggs, officially beginning the new colony’s existence.
What Shed Wings Mean for Homeowners
For the homeowner, finding discarded termite wings is often the first noticeable indication of a hidden and mature termite problem. The wings themselves are not a threat, but their presence signals that a reproductive event has occurred. If shed wings are found indoors, particularly near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures, it suggests that the parent colony is already established within the structure itself.
The discovery of wings indoors confirms that a mature colony has successfully colonized the property and reached the population capacity necessary to produce a swarm. This means the worker termites, which consume wood, have been active and causing damage within the structure for an extended period, potentially years. While the swarmers do not eat wood, their presence serves as a warning sign that an established infestation is active and requires professional assessment.