After taking flight, what do termites lose while searching for a nest?

Once termites take flight as part of their nuptial flight to find a new nest, they shed their wings after locating a suitable environment. This process is essential for their reproductive cycle. After mating, the termites land and discard their wings as a sign of establishing their new colony. Shedding wings also signifies their transition from dispersive reproductive behavior to a settled existence focused on building a nest and raising offspring within the colony. This behavior is closely linked to their life cycle and is a characteristic of many winged insect species that undergo similar life stages.