Food plant
- Pronunciation
- /food plant/
- Category
- Habitat
- Singular
- Food plant
- Plural
- Food plants
Definition
A plant that serves as a source of food for insects and arachnids, providing necessary nutrients for their growth, development, and reproduction.
Etymology
Derived from Old English 'fōda' meaning 'food' and 'plante' from Latin 'planta' meaning 'plant'.
Example
Monarch caterpillars rely exclusively on milkweed as their food plant for development.
Synonyms
- Host plant
- Nutrient source
Related Terms
- Larval food
- Foraging
- Herbivory
Usage Notes
Different insect species can specialize in particular food plants, which often define their habitat and distribution.