Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size
1.3 to 1.5 mm (Extremely small)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; found indoors in floorboards and wall voids, and outdoors in mulch, soil, and debris.

Diet & Feeding

Opportunistic feeders; they prefer honeydew from aphids and insects, but indoors they scavenge for sweets, grease, and high-protein foods.

Behavior Patterns

Notable for their translucent abdomens and legs making them hard to spot; they move rapidly and erratically when disturbed. They often form multiple 'budding' colonies.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance household pest. They do not sting and their bite is rarely felt, but they can contaminate food and are difficult to eradicate due to their multiple queens and colony structure.