Reproductive Termite
Observed near Machokos, Kenya, 30 May 2017.
When a dry season is finally broken by significant rain it a common sight to see large numbers of winged termites flying after dusk. Once these winged reproductives mate they drop their four wings and must quickly dig into the soil or damp wood (depending on the species). There, they will attempt an unlikely challenge: to initiate a new colony. Almost all will fail due to predation, lack of food, or desiccation.