• @WhipperSnapper@lemmy.ml
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      7 days ago

      Certain ants are pretty distinct. Thatch ants spray formic acid as a defense, and will have a sour smell (and taste, or so I’ve been told). Odoriferous house ants are named so for obvious reason, and smell (to me) like pen ink. Assuming they taste terrible, but I dunno anyone who’s tasted one.

      Also, for what it’s worth, my entomologist father refers to the thread’s subject as “sow bugs”, so that’s how I know them, but pill bugs and rolly polly are common here.

      • @TriflingToad@sh.itjust.works
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        16 days ago

        That’s very interesting. I can’t smell ants at all and [threads subject] smell like dirt to me (I assume because they live in dirt)
        Thanks for explaining!

    • @Catoblepas@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      47 days ago

      I’ve never noticed an ant smell, if I had to guess I’d assume it’s some different chemical I’m picking up on from the pill bugs.

      • @Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        27 days ago

        I think so! I love them but I haven’t smelled them. What’s your stance on cilantro? I love genetic smell/taste traits.

          • @Rai@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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            27 days ago

            I don’t think it is, but I wonder if it’s related?! Neat!

            I wish it tasted to you like it does to me :c I LOVE cilantro!