
Community identification
Ghost Ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera: Formicidae
- Size
- 1.3 to 1.5 mm (very small)
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions; indoors they are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms near moisture sources and warmth.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous, but prefers sweet substances like honeydew, nectar, and sugary crumbs; will also eat grease and insects.
Behavior Patterns
They move rapidly and erratically when disturbed; they form large colonies with multiple queens and can easily move nesting sites if threatened.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest; they do not sting or cause structural damage but can contaminate food and are difficult to eradicate due to their small size and multiple queens.