Temperature and humidity tolerances of the ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Temperature and humidity tolerances of the ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) were examined in a series of laboratory experiments. LT 50 values for worker ants ranged from 2.0 h at 45degreesC and 97% RH to 43.7 h at 15degreesC and 55% RH. Mean 24 h mortality ranged from 5.7 to 100% for 15degreesC and 55% RH and 45degreesC and 75% RH, respectively. At 97% RH, ghost ants tolerated the greatest range of temperatures, with 24 h mortality of <30% between 15 and 35degreesC. The importance of temperature and humidity tolerance to ghost ants is compared with other urban insect pests of tropical origin.