Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Hymenoptera, Formicidae
Size
1.3 to 1.5 mm long
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

In tropical climates, they live outdoors in soil and debris; in temperate climates, they primarily live in heated indoor structures like wall voids and baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Honeydew, sweet substances, and oils indoors; they are also opportunistic scavengers and eat small insects.

Behavior Patterns

Extreme mobility and small size make them hard to track. They frequently move nesting sites when disturbed and form multiple interconnected colonies (polygynous).

Risks & Benefits

Generally considered a nuisance pest in homes. They do not bite or sting humans significantly but can contaminate food and carry pathogenic bacteria in hospital environments.