alate noun, singular (plural alates) - the winged, sexual stage of eusocial insects, such as ants and termites, which do not have wings at most stages of their life cycle. May also refer to the winged form of some grasshoppers that are usually flightless, though these are more frequently called macropterous.

Closely related term: alatae noun, plural -the winged stage of normally flightless insects, such as ants, termites, and aphids.

Examples of alates among ants:

Examples of alates among termites:

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 30 (1)

Internet References

Jardine's Dictionary of Entomology

Glossary of Ant Terms--University of Florida

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.

Contributed by Cotinis on 17 May, 2007 - 2:54am
Additional contributions by Robin McLeod
Last updated 12 August, 2015 - 11:56am

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