
Community identification
Ghost Ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera: Formicidae
- Size
- 1.3 to 1.5 mm
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments such as kitchens and bathrooms (near moisture), as well as outdoors under logs and stones in tropical/subtropical climates.
Diet & Feeding
Honeydew, sweet juices, and high-protein foods like dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Forms multiple colonies consisting of thousands of workers; known for their erratic, fast-moving running patterns when disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest in homes because of their small size and ability to contaminate food; they do not sting and are generally harmless to humans but can be difficult to eradicate once established.