Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size
1.3 to 1.5 mm (extremely small)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.