Angola: Flying Termites Emergence

Once a year after heavy rains millions (if not billions of flying termites emerge from the ground. These are alates, the reproductive form of termites, where both males and females have wings. Their primary and only purpose is to leave their underground nests in a synchronized nuptial flight, where they quickly find their better half and viciously mate. After mating, males die, and queens shed their wings to establish a new nest. We got super lucky to witness this! Macrotermes species, a type of mound-building termite, are among the most common to swarm in Angola. Locals call the flying termites “matanhas” collect them as a high-protein snack, either roasted or fried, or even raw. These flying termite swarms attract a frenzy of predators — birds and bats — creating an incredible feeding spectacle.