Ghost ant

Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum

Order & Family: Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Size: 1.3 to 1.5 mm

Ghost ant

Natural Habitat

Warm, humid environments; indoors they are found in kitchens and bathrooms near sinks or behind baseboards.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; prefers honeydew and sweets but also consumes dead or live insects.

Behavior Patterns

Highly mobile and erratic movement; forms multiple sub-colonies (polygynous) allowing for rapid expansion.

Risks & Benefits

No health risk or sting to humans, but acts as a nuisance indoor pest that can contaminate food supplies.

Identified on: 4/16/2026