
Community identification
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera, Formicidae
- Size
- 1.3 to 1.5 mm long
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, commonly found indoors in kitchens and bathrooms
Diet & Feeding
Generalist feeders that prefer honeydew and sugary liquids, but will also eat protein and grease
Behavior Patterns
Notable for their pale, translucent legs and abdomen which make them difficult to see; they run rapidly and erratically when disturbed
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest in homes; they do not sting and their bite is usually unnoticed, but they can contaminate food sources.