Termite Alates sole purpose is to start new colonies and become the future king and queen of their new colony. During the beginning of Thailand's monsoon season a termite colony will produce future kings and queens to take part in a pre-nuptial flight in synchrony with other colonies of the same species. This happens for most of the matured colonies of the same species in a particular area. These flying termites are fed some of the best food the nest has to offer and are well taken care of until the big day. As such, they are loaded with fat stores designed to last them for a few months, until the first batch of eggs hatch into workers who will then forage for food and in the case of fungus building species like the Macrotermitinae, construct the first fungus combs. Termite Alates are also a prized food source, they are packed full of nutrients and have a delicious nutty taste. They can be eaten alone as a snack, typically flavored with soy sauce, chili and pepper, or lemon grass and kaffir lime leaf. They are also an accompaniment to a number of savory dishes.