🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

The ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius), is believed to have its origin in either the Orient or Afro tropical regions. This is a tramp species, introduced through human commerce into the United States and is now established in a number of locations in southern and central Florida. It has also been found indoors in more temperate climates in Texas, Iowa, Oregon, and Winnipeg, Canada.

The ants are bi-colored; the head and thorax are dark brown to black and the gaster, pedicel, legs, and antennae are milky white to yellowish white. It is sometimes referred to as the black-headed ant.

Colonies of ghost ants are highly mobile and frequently move from overpopulated nests. They are difficult to eradicate.