Ghost ant
Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum
Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size: 1.3 to 1.5 mm (extremely small)

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