Does the Odorous House Ant defend its colonies using odor or sting?

The Odorous House Ant is known for its defensive behavior, which primarily involves releasing a characteristic odor when disturbed rather than using stinging as a defense mechanism. This species does not possess a sting and does not rely on physical aggression for colony defense. Instead, when threatened, they will emit a strong, unpleasant smell that serves both to deter predators and to communicate with other ants in the colony. This olfactory signal can alert nestmates to the presence of danger, prompting an increase in alertness or activity.

This makes the statement that the Odorous House Ant defends its colonies using odor rather than a sting accurate. Hence, the correct answer indicates that the claim about the ant's defensive strategy is false regarding the use of a sting, affirming the behavior based on odor instead. Other options may suggest behavior that does not align with the known biology of this species.