Ants distinguished from termites. Ants have a narrow waist, elbowed antennae, and (if wings are present) hind wings that are much shorter than the forewings. Termites have beaded antennae, a broad waist, and wings (if present) that are of equal length.

Line art illustration of the top view of an ant and a termite with their distinguishing characters labeled.; Davis, California Credit: Adapted from an illustration by Franz Baumhackl in Termites and Other Wood-Infesting Insects. UC ANR leaflet 2532. — Credit: Adapted from an illustration by Franz Baumhackl in Termites and Other Wood-Infesting Insects. UC ANR leaflet 2532.