Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
Size
Extremely small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; commonly found indoors in kitchens and bathrooms near moisture sources, or outdoors under bark, stones, and in plant stems.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous, but prefers sweet substances like honeydew, nectar, and sugary crumbs. They also eat protein-rich items and small insects.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their erratic, fast-moving running patterns when disturbed. They form large, multi-queen colonies and are opportunistic nesters, frequently moving their nests to find better resources.

Risks & Benefits

They do not sting or cause structural damage, but are considered major nuisance pests due to their ability to infest indoor spaces and contaminate food. In the ecosystem, they can help control some smaller insect populations.