Community identification
Ghost Ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera, Formicidae
- Size
- Tiny, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, commonly found indoors in kitchens and bathrooms near moisture.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; they prefer sweets and honeydew but will also eat protein and grease.
Behavior Patterns
They are highly mobile, frequently moving their nests. They create multiple colonies and are known for their erratic, fast-paced movement when disturbed.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance pest in homes. They do not sting and their bite is negligible, but they can contaminate food and sometimes transport disease organisms through contact.