Tapinoma melanocephalum
| Notice: | This page is derived from the original publication listed below, whose author(s) should always be credited. Further contributors may edit and improve the content of this page and, consequently, need to be credited as well (see page history). Any assessment of factual correctness requires a careful review of the original article as well as of subsequent contributions.
If you are uncertain whether your planned contribution is correct or not, we suggest that you use the associated discussion page instead of editing the page directly. This page should be cited as follows (rationale):
Citation formats to copy and paste
BibTeX: @article{Ivanov2016JournalofHymenopteraResearch, RIS/ Endnote: TY - JOUR Wikipedia/ Citizendium: <ref name="Ivanov2016Journal of Hymenoptera Research">{{Citation See also the citation download page at the journal. |
Ordo: Hymenoptera
Familia: Formicidae
Genus: Tapinoma
Name
Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius, 1793) – Wikispecies link – Pensoft Profile
Distribution in Ohio
Widespread in Ohio. Counties: Butler (material examined: Oxford, Miami University, Belk Greenhouse, 25.ii.2014, leg. S. Mays), Cuyahoga (material examined: Cleveland, 07.ii.2008, leg. K. Ivanov, and 04.iii.2008, leg. B. Poynter, same locality, in an animal care zoo facility), and Franklin (photographs examined: Columbus 25–29.ii.2008, photos by S. Heideman, in a conservatory), (Fig. 1).
Where found/Habitat
Indoors, abundant in greenhouses, conservatories and zoo buildings.
Origin
Indo-Pacific.
Natural history
This widely distributed tramp species is more prevalent in disturbed areas but also has been encountered in natural habitats in its introduced range (Wetterer 2009[1] and references therein). Unlike many other exotic ants, this species can be distinguished easily by its minute size, peculiar coloration (Fig. 2), and the rapid, erratic movements when disturbed. Colonies are moderate to large in size, and polygynous, with queens distributed in multiple nests. Additional features characteristic of this ant include unicoloniality, intranidal mating, and colony formation via budding (Bustos and Cherix 1998[2]). Ghost ants are opportunistic nesters, usually in disturbed areas, and frequently relocate their nests (Wetterer 2009[1]). Inside buildings, nests can be found in flowerpots, in small cracks and crevices, beneath baseboards, and in wall spaces (Klotz et al. 2008[3]).
Where it occurs this ant is a major nuisance pest, both indoors and outdoors, that tends mealybugs and scale insects and scavenges for dead insects and food scraps (Smith 1965[4]). The ghost ant is confined to greenhouses and other heated buildings in northerly states, which provide the high temperature and environmental humidity needed for the survival of this tropical species. According to Wetterer (2009)[1], at latitudes greater than 30° this species is largely restricted to living inside buildings.
I have only seen this species at a single animal care facility in the greater Cleveland area where I observed multiple nests in wall spaces and crevices. In addition, numerous foragers were noted near and at reptile feeding stations. In Ohio, this ant is a known conservatory and zoo pest, likely distributed via potted plants or animal feed. Unpublished observations suggest that this ant has been present in the state since at least the early 2000s (B. Poynter and M. Vincent pers. communication).
Taxon Treatment
- Ivanov, K; 2016: Exotic ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Ohio Journal of Hymenoptera Research, (51): 203-226. doi
Images
|
Other References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wetterer J (2009) Worldwide spread of the ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Myrmecological News: 12: 23–33.
- ↑ Bustos X, Cherix D (1998) Contribution à la biologie de Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Actes des Colloques Insectes Sociaux 11: 95–101.
- ↑ Klotz J, Hansen L, Pospischil R, Rust M (2008) Urban ants of North America and Europe: identification, biology, and management. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 1–196.
- ↑ Smith M (1965) House-infesting ants of the eastern United States; their recognition, biology, and economic importance. USDA Technical Bulletin 1326: 1–105.
