Winged ants are frequently confused with swarming termites.
These ants are found primarily in soil and rotting wood. They feed on a wide variety of food sources. These ants are found feeding on seeds, and often are associated with aphids and mealybugs which are excreting honeydew. When crushed they give off a characteristic lemon-verbena odor. They are common soil inhabiting species which tend mealybugs and aphids on the roots of plants.