Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
Size
Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.