Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

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

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments (kitchens, bathrooms) and outdoor tropical/subtropical landscapes; often nests in wall voids, potted plants, or under loose bark.

Diet & Feeding

Broad diet but prefers sugary substances (honeydew, sweets, syrup); also feeds on insects and fats inside homes.

Behavior Patterns

Notable for their erratic, jerky movement when disturbed. They are 'tramps' species, moving frequently and establishing multiple interconnected queens and colonies; they can easily be transported in household goods.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance pest; they do not sting or cause structural damage, but can contaminate food sources due to their ability to enter very small openings. They benefit the ecosystem by preying on other small insects.