
Community identification
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera: Formicidae
- Size
- Very small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Inhabits tropical/subtropical regions; indoors, they are found in wall voids, behind baseboards, and in potted plants.
Diet & Feeding
Honeydew from aphids and mealybugs; indoors, they prefer sweets, grease, and protein-rich foods.
Behavior Patterns
Highly mobile and erratic when disturbed; they form multiple small colonies and frequently relocate their nests.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest indoors; they do not sting or cause structural damage but contaminate food sources.