Ghost ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: 1.3 to 1.5 mm (extremely small)

Ghost ant

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, commonly found indoors in kitchens and bathrooms and outdoors in soil and under bark.

Diet & Feeding

Honeydew from aphids and mealybugs, as well as sugary substances, grease, and insects.

Behavior Patterns

Highly mobile and form multiple colonies. They are known for their fast, erratic movement and pale, translucent abdomens that make them difficult to see.

Risks & Benefits

They do not sting or cause structural damage, but they are a significant nuisance pest that can contaminate food supplies.

Identified on: 2/25/2026