
Community identification
Ghost Ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
- Size
- Minute, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
In tropical and subtropical regions, they nest outdoors under stones, logs, or debris; in cooler climates, they are notorious indoor pests inhabiting wall voids and plant pots.
Diet & Feeding
Opportunistic feeders that prefer honeydew and sweet substances, but will also scavenge for protein like dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
They are highly mobile and frequently move their nesting sites if disturbed. Their milky white, translucent abdomens and legs make them very difficult to see, especially on light surfaces.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest that contaminates food sources in kitchens. They do not sting and their bite is usually too small to be felt by humans, but they can transport disease-causing organisms.