Tapinoma (from Greek ταπείνωμα 'low position') is a genus of ants that belongs to the subfamily Dolichoderinae. The genus currently comprises 74 [2] described species distributed worldwide in tropical and temperate regions.

Tapinoma sessile is a species of small ant that goes by the common names odorous house ant, sugar ant, stink ant, and coconut ant. [1] Their colonies are polydomous (consisting of multiple nests) and polygynous (containing multiple reproducing queens).

Feb 7, 2025 · Tapinoma are general scavengers, but have a preference for honeydew and often tend aphids or coccids. (Shattuck 1992)

Feb 6, 2025 · Tapinoma melanocephalum has one of the widest distributions known for any ant species. It has spread across the Old World and New World in both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is tropical and subtropical; at latitudes greater than 30°, it is largely restricted to living inside buildings.

Aug 30, 2024 · Tapinoma sessile is one of the most widespread North American ant species. It is abundant in a wide range of habitats. It nests in the ground, under and within objects, in downed wood and will, in some cases, move into human structures.

Tapinoma melanocephalum is a species of ant that goes by the common name ghost ant. They are recognised by their dark head and pale or translucent legs and gaster (abdomen). This colouring makes this tiny ant seem even smaller.

Apr 25, 2016 · Tapinoma melanocephum (Fabricius), commonly called the ghost ant, is an exotic tramp species thought to have originated in either the Afro tropical or Oriental regions (Smith, 1965). The ghost ant is considered to be a nuisance species that invades houses and businesses where it may nest and get into food stores.

Morphological and genetic evidence supports the separation of two Tapinoma ants (Formicidae, Dolichoderinae) from the Atlantic Forest biome. Zookeys 1033: 35–62. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1033.59880 Reference page. Hamm, C.A. 2010: Multivariate discrimination and description of a new species of Tapinoma from the Western United States.

Dec 11, 2020 · Virtually ubiquitous except in hot deserts (only in oases), cold alpine forests (but found in alpine meadows), or above timberline. Very abundant in the "human habitats" of most of the USA and southern Canada, but diminishing abundance in the Sunbelt. Active early in spring, often in people's kitchens. Mating flights are in May south, June north.

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.