Ghost Ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: 1.3 to 1.5 mm

Ghost Ant

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as kitchens and bathrooms (near moisture), and outdoor tropical/subtropical landscapes.

Diet & Feeding

Honeydew from aphids, sweet substances, and occasionally small insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly mobile, often forming multiple sub-colonies; they are known for their 'ghost-like' appearance due to their transparent abdomen and legs.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance household pest that can contaminate food; they do not sting or cause structural damage but are difficult to eradicate due to multiple queens.

Identified on: 2/6/2026