
Community identification
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera: Formicidae
- Size
- Workers are extremely small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions; found in kitchens and bathrooms of homes, as well as in greenhouses and potted plants.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous, but prefers sweet substances like honeydew and sugary foods; also feeds on living and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
The workers are very fast and move erratically. They form large, multi-queen colonies and frequently relocate their nests if disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily considered a nuisance pest in households. They can contaminate food but do not sting or cause structural damage.