Ghost Ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: 1.3 to 1.5 mm (extremely small)

Ghost Ant

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in residential kitchens, bathrooms, and greenhouses in tropical and subtropical regions; they nest in walls, flowerpots, and under debris.

Diet & Feeding

Opportunistic feeders that prefer sweets, honeydew from aphids, and occasionally grease or protein-rich food.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their pale, translucent abdomen and legs that make them difficult to see. They move rapidly and erratically when disturbed and follow scent trails established by scouts.

Risks & Benefits

A significant nuisance pest in homes because they can contaminate food. They do not sting and their bite is usually not painful, but they can be very difficult to eradicate due to multiple queen colonies.

Identified on: 2/11/2026