
Community identification
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
- Size
- Exceedingly small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm in length.
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.