buggy love

Colony foundation of the Order Isoptera (termites) occurs on dry, hot, still days. Having temporary wings, members of the reproductive cast embark on a short journey from the nest in search of a mate. Rarely venturing further than 500 meters from the original nest, the male and female reproductives land on solid ground, shedding their wings, and beginning their search for a "king" or "queen." This happens in a couple ways. The queen may signal a potential king by emitting a pheremone to entice him, or simply do the queenly thing. That is... lift her termite skirt and chase him down. When a male is approached, the pair make advances towards each other. The female bashes the male in the face. Being the gentleman that he is the king subsequently caresses her antennae with his. The bashing and caressing happens four or five times, and if the queen accepts the king they will steal away and seal themselves into a new nest in the ground. If successful, the pair will build a beautiful empire.