Why do drywood termites break off their wings after swarming?

Drywood termites break off their wings after swarming primarily because the presence of wings can interfere with their mating process. After leaving their original colony to find a suitable mate and establish a new colony, the wings become unnecessary and even cumbersome. By shedding their wings, termites can engage in mating and focus on their new environment without the hindrance of winged flight. This action helps facilitate a more successful transition into their new life and allows them to invest energy into colony formation rather than mobility.

The other options suggest reasons that do not align with termite behavior. For instance, transforming their wings for higher jumps or blending into their surroundings doesn't reflect the biological needs of these insects during mating and colony establishment. Although escaping predators is a concern, the act of shedding wings is primarily linked to their reproductive process rather than immediate threats from predators.