Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
Size
Worker ants are very small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm (0.05 to 0.06 inches) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

In tropical and subtropical regions, they nest outdoors in soil, under bark, or in plant cavities. In temperate climates, they live indoors in wall voids, behind baseboards, and in potted plants.

Diet & Feeding

Opportunistic feeders that prefer sweets and honeydew produced by aphids; they also eat grease and insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly mobile and frequently move their nest sites. They are known for their erratic, fast-running movements when disturbed and often form 'budding' colonies with multiple queens.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance household pest that can contaminate food. They do not sting and their bite is generally not painful to humans. They play a minor ecological role in scavenging and aphid management.