Termites, also known as white ants, are a phylogenetic order of swarming insects that are best known because some species feed on dead wood and cause damage to the constructed environment.

Termites only superficially resemble ants; their "white ant" name is probably due to their similar size and social habits.

Termites have biting mouthparts and their soft bodies are small, rarely over 10 mm in length. They typically inhabit dark nests and tunnels, only venturing out when the winged alatesdeciduous wings of termites are long and slender, in two pairs that are similarly sized and shaped. The name of the termites' order is derived from their having equal wings. The veins near the anterior margin of the wing are prominent with the rest only faintly marked. The wings are quickly shed after flight with a simple body flick when the swarming termites find a new nest site, pair up and dig in. The remnant of the wing is a distinct triangular scale.