The aptly-named Ghost Ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum, is a house pest in warmer climates around the world. The species is instantly recognizeable by its small size and distinct translucent coloration.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Tapinoma melanocephalum, the ghost ant, is a house pest in warmer climates around the world.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Tapinoma melanocephalum

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
Tapinoma sessile - odorous house ant, feeding from a droplet of sugar water.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Two nestmates of the odorous house ant (Tapinoma sessile) share a granule of sugar.  

Champaign, Illinois, USA.
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Tapinoma sessile workers carry brood to safety after the photographer disturbs their nest.

Calistoga, California, USA
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
Tapinoma sessile, the odorous house ant, with larvae.

Champaign, Illinois, USA
The aptly-named Ghost Ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum, is a house pest in warmer climates around the world. The species is instantly recognizeable by its small size and distinct translucent coloration.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
The aptly-named Ghost Ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum, is a house pest in warmer climates around the world. The species is instantly recognizeable by its small size and distinct translucent coloration.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
The aptly-named Ghost Ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum, is a house pest in warmer climates around the world. The species is instantly recognizeable by its small size and distinct translucent coloration.

Maquipucuna reserve, Pichincha, Ecuador
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013