
Community identification
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
- Size
- Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Nests in soil, hollowed-out tree cavities, under bark, or indoors within wall voids and flowerpots.
Diet & Feeding
Broadly omnivorous, showing a preference for honeydew produced by aphids or soft-scale insects and sweet substances.
Behavior Patterns
They exhibit high mobility and forge trails to food sources; colonies often contain multiple queens and can move nest sites quickly when disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered a nuisance pest in households; they do not sting and their bite is usually unnoticed, but they can contaminate food sources.