Termites – Can Termites Only See in the Dark?
WouterTermites have a variety of ways to locate food and other sources of shelter. They may pass through an olfactory system, use vibrations to warn of danger, and use light to find their way. They also use their antennae to sense noises, light, and movement.
Most termites have compound eyes. These are composed of a number of lenses and are built to give them better visibility in the dark. Some termites have no eyes at all. Those termites that do have eyes are called alates. They are the reproductive members of a colony.
Reproductive termites swarm from the colony to reproduce. During swarming season, they are more likely to be seen around windows, light fixtures, and other places where they can reproduce. They are typically smaller than worker termites, which have straight antennae and no wings. They are also more susceptible to damage.
During the reproductive phase, female termites lay eggs. In the spring and summer months, the swarming season is at its peak. During this time, many local colonies swarm at the same time. This can be a very confusing event to watch. The queens emit warning pheromones to other nestmates. These pheromones can trigger a flight or fight response in nearby animals.
Swarming is a common phenomenon that occurs throughout the year. They are most active during the evening hours. Some swarmers will die from other factors, but they are usually small insects. They are usually black and measure quarter-inch to half-inch long.
