Neighbor's Cat finds a dozen insects

[gatorback]

Greetings!  A north Florida neighbor provided the photographed samples. We would like to understand what they are so as to understand the appropriate response, if any.  Head to thorax ~ 8mm  wings add another 8mm.

I noticed the absence of 'strong' or prominent mandible.  I look forward to the responses.


QUESTIONS
==========

- What is the genus / species of the photographed specimens?
- What support (narrative is appreciated) is there to confirm identification?

[Adam Cotton]

I have no idea about genus/species, which someone else may be able to help with, but these are flying termites. The one in the first photo has already shed its wings.

Here in Thailand they emerge in huge numbers from termite mounds this time of year, mainly at dusk, and swarm round lights. If you have a window with light on inside they will come to the window, and enter the house if they can. These are the reproductive adults, rather than the ones that usually live inside the termite mounds. They fly off to look for a mate and when they find one they shed their wings and run around in pairs playing 'follow my leader' trying to find a place to build a new mound. Of course only a very few pairs actually create a new mound.

Adam.

[gatorback]

Thanks for the prompt response Adam. Do you ( or anyone else) think that it may be Cryptotermes brevis? entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/termites/west_indian_drywood_termite.htm

[jmg]

Totally agree with Adam! They are termites engaged in a nuptial flight. In French Guiana, the phenomenon is common and I experienced it recently around March 20. Thousands arrived in the bungalow at dusk and at dinner time. To the point that it was necessary to cover dishes and plates so as not to swallow a surplus of proteins. Generally, the invasion only lasts a night or two.

Here is a bad photo of an evening flight of termites over our dinner in Saul (central French Guiana) in November 2016: