
Community identification
Ghost ant
Tapinoma melanocephalum
- Order & Family
- Hymenoptera: Formicidae
- Size
- 1.3 to 1.5 mm (very small)
Natural Habitat
Outdoor environments in leaf litter or under wood; indoors in cracks, crevices, wall voids, and near water sources like kitchens and bathrooms.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous, but prefers sugary substances (honeydew, sweets) and occasional protein from dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Highly mobile and known for frequent nest relocation (budding); workers move in fast, erratic lines when disturbed or foraging.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance household pest that can contaminate food; they do not sting and their bite is generally too small to be felt by humans.