Which statement is true about termite swarms compared to ant swarms?

The statement that ants leave many broken wings in the swarm area accurately reflects a key characteristic of ant swarming behavior. During their nuptial flights, winged ants typically shed their wings after mating, resulting in a visible accumulation of broken wings on the ground in the area where they swarm. This is a distinct point that can help differentiate ant swarms from termite swarms.

In contrast, while termites also swarm, they do not typically leave behind broken wings. Instead, termite swarmers may lose their wings at some point, but they do not leave them in such noticeable quantities as ants do. This behavioral difference is essential in pest identification, as the presence of broken wings can indicate an area where ant activity is prevalent, whereas the absence of such remnants does not imply a lack of activity from termites.

Understanding these nuances is important for identifying insect activity and approaching pest management effectively. This clear distinction in wing behavior helps professionals in pest control to accurately assess the nature of an infestation and implement suitable control measures.