Do both pairs of wings on alates (swarmers) of termites have equal size and shape?

Both pairs of wings on alates, or swarmers, of termites are indeed of equal size and shape. This characteristic is important to differentiate them from other insects, as many winged insects exhibit variations in wing size and shape between their forewings and hindwings. In termites, having two pairs of wings that are equal helps facilitate their ability to fly during their nuptial flight, which is a crucial phase in their reproductive cycle. The symmetry and uniformity in wing size aid in their aerodynamics, making flight more efficient during swarming events when they disperse to establish new colonies.

This characteristic is consistent across the different species of termites classified as alates, emphasizing that equal-sized wings are a defining feature of termite swarmers regardless of environmental conditions or the specific characteristics of individual species.