Bug Identifier
Ghost Ant
Community identification

Ghost Ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Hymenoptera: Formicidae
Size
Extremely small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions; indoors, they are found in kitchens and bathrooms near moisture, often nesting in wall voids or behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; they prefer sugary liquids and honeydew from aphids but will also eat protein-rich foods like grease and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly mobile and create multiple sub-colonies. They are known for their erratic, jerky movement when disturbed and have a characteristic 'rotten coconut' smell when crushed.

Risks & Benefits

They are primarily a nuisance pest and do not sting or cause structural damage. However, they can contaminate food and are difficult to eradicate due to their multiple nesting sites.