Ghost ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: Workers are extremely small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm long.

Ghost ant

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.

Identified on: 12/27/2025