Bug Identifier
Ghost ant
Community identification

Ghost ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family
Hymenoptera, Formicidae
Size
Tiny individuals, usually 1.3 to 1.5 mm in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Inhabits warm climates and indoor environments, often making nests in wall voids, baseboards, and flowerpots.

Diet & Feeding

Opportunistic feeders that prefer sweets, honeydew from aphids, and occasionally insects.

Behavior Patterns

Highly mobile and known for erratic, jerky movement when disturbed. They form large, multi-queen colonies and frequently relocate their nests.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a nuisance pest in homes. They do not sting and their bite is usually unnoticed, but they can contaminate food and transport pathogenic bacteria.