Microstructural Analysis of Termite Wings: Implications for Hydrophobic Adaptations in Rainy Flight

Many termite species initiate colonization flights during or shortly after periods of rain, employing two different flight strategies: flying during the day in the rain and flying at night in a dry environment. As noted in previous studies, it appears easier for a species to become adapted to a wet environment by changing the contour/shape rather than the composition of the cuticle surface. We utilized differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy to observe the micro-nanostructure of the wing cuticles of 54 termite species from 16 families/subfamilies. Twenty-four species of higher termites possessed wings with anti-wetting structures of setae and a micraster array. The majority of lower termite wings had smoother cuticle surfaces. Based on the hierarchical design of termite wings, we conclude that various species are adapted to flying in the rain.