Adult termites can be distinguished from adult winged ants by the termite's

• A. Straight antennae
• B. Elbowed antennae
• C. Broad waist
• D. Equal-sized wings

Answer: (A)

Observing antenna shape is a reliable way to tell termites from winged ants. Termites have straight, bead-like antennae that extend in a straight line from the head, while adult winged ants have elbowed antennae that bend at an angle. This straight-versus-elbowed difference is consistent across many species and is easy to verify, making it the most dependable clue in the field. Other features can help, but they’re more variable or harder to judge quickly: termites tend to have a broad, uninterrupted waist and wings that are roughly equal in size, whereas ants have a pinched waist and forewings longer than the hind wings. Because antenna shape is simple and reliably distinct, it’s the best diagnostic criterion.