aphidophagy
- Pronunciation
- /ay-fid-OFF-uh-jee/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- aphidophagy
- Plural
- aphidophagies
Definition
The practice of feeding on aphids, commonly observed in certain predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Etymology
From Greek 'aphis', meaning 'aphid', and 'phagein', meaning 'to eat'.
Example
Ladybugs are well-known for their aphidophagy, as they can consume dozens of aphids daily.
Synonyms
- Aphid predation
- Aphid eating
Related Terms
- Predatory behavior
- Ladybug
- Lacewing
- Biological control
Usage Notes
Aphidophagy is an important behavior in the context of biological pest control, as it helps regulate aphid populations in various ecosystems.