Ants, despite their small size, can release strong-smelling chemicals when threatened or crushed. For example, reindeer ants emit a chocolate-like odor when irritated, while citronella ants emit a lemon-like scent. On the other hand, stinky house ants release a scent similar to blue cheese or rancid coconut, which is due to the presence of methyl ketone, a substance also found in Penicillium Bacteria that ripens blue cheese and grows in rotting coconuts.
Many ants emit formic acid, a malodorous substance. Waragiali ants, for instance, produce a vinegar-like substance from their venom glands. Additionally, dead ants release oleic acid, giving them a “fresh salad” smell and signaling the colony to clean the carcass to prevent it from rotting.
Ant communication is largely based on smell, with each odor carrying a specific message. Surveys have shown that only a small percentage of people claim to be able to smell ants, potentially due to genetic factors. Like the ability to smell asparagus urine, the ability to smell ants may be linked to specific genes.
This article explores the question “Can you smell ants?” and the genetic factors that may influence this ability.
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