Mystery Insect: Asking for help identifying it.

[PGB1]

Hi All,

Yesterday afternoon, I saw thousands of the insects pictured below on my tomato, bean & rose plants. There were even more on the pavement. None were seen in the morning.

I searched quite a bit on line, but could not identify them. Do any of you recognize what they are?

Thanks Very Much For Helping!
Paul
PS: Today, I see none so far. (Still morning)

 

[Chuck]

Looks like a flying ant of which there are literally dozens of species. They appear at this time of year in swarms of thousands. It is part of the ants reproductive process. They are called Alates

 

[PGB1]

Thanks Chuck for helping. I very much appreciate it.

I'd never heard the term "Alates" before you mentioned it. Knowing the word let me study about them. Actually, they are quite interesting.

Today, house sparrows were eating them off of the driveway as though they were bird seed on the ground. It was fascinating to watch the birds choose whom to eat & whom to ignore.

Thanks Again!
Paul