Which ant is capable of emitting a pungent odor when squished?

The odorous house ant is known for its distinctive ability to emit a pungent, coconut-like odor when crushed. This odor is caused by the release of chemicals from the ant’s body, which serve as a defense mechanism or a means of communication. This characteristic is particularly useful for pest control professionals in identifying the species; the presence of this odor can immediately indicate an infestation of odorous house ants in a structure.

In contrast, while other ant species listed have their own unique behaviors or characteristics, they do not produce the same notable odor when squished. For instance, ghost ants and pharaoh ants have different chemical profiles and do not exhibit the same olfactory response. Thief ants also lack this pungent odor, which further distinguishes the odorous house ant as the unique option among the choices provided.