
Termite swarmer on left, ant on right
How do I tell the difference between a winged ant and a termite?
Flying ants may be distinguished from termites by the following:
Ants:
- Elbowed antennae.
- Front wings longer than hind wings, tinted brown.
- Pinched or "wasp-waist".
- Body black, brown or reddish.
Termites:
- Straight antennae.
- Front and hind wings similar in shape and or equal length, pale, translucent.
- Body extends straight back from head, does not have pinched or "wasp-waist".
- Body blackish-brown to black.

Diagram courtesy of USDA Forest Service Archive, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Flying ant (notice the pinched waist) |
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Termite swarmer versus a flying ant |