What unique feature do Odorous House ants produce when crushed?

When Odorous House ants are crushed, they release a distinctive scent that resembles the smell of rotten coconut. This particular odor is due to the chemicals they produce, primarily 2-alkenal compounds, which are responsible for this unique and recognizable fragrance. This characteristic scent acts as a chemical signal among the ants and can serve to alert other ants to predators or threats, while also deterring other animals from approaching. The confusion sometimes arises because other types of ants can produce varying scents when crushed, but the hallmark of Odorous House ants is specifically the rotten coconut aroma.