Termites are social insects that live in large colonies where populations can reach more than one million. A colony consists of several structurally differentiated termite forms living together as castes (including reproductives, soldiers, and workers) with different functions in community life.

 

In the spring, winged reproductives leave the parental nest in swarms to create a new colony. The swarming lasts less than an hour, so it's very likely you'll never even see it. The winged reproductives themselves look quite a bit like flying ants, for which they are often mistaken.