Ghost ant
Scientific Name: Tapinoma melanocephalum
Order & Family: Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Formicidae
Size: Worker ants are very small, approximately 1.3 to 1.5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide; commonly found indoors in wall voids, behind baseboards, and in potted plants.
Diet & Feeding
Opportunistic feeders; they prefer honeydew and sweets but will also eat insects and grease.
Behavior Patterns
Highly mobile and known for their erratic, jerky movement when disturbed. They form large, multi-queen colonies and frequently move nesting sites to remain near moisture.
Risks & Benefits
Primarily a nuisance household pest that can contaminate food. They do not sting and their bite is usually too weak to be felt, but they are difficult to eradicate due to their multiple nesting sites.
Identified on: 1/10/2026