Herbivore
- Pronunciation
- /HER-bih-vohr/
- Category
- Diet & Behavior
- Singular
- Herbivore
- Plural
- Herbivores
Definition
An organism, particularly insects in the context of entomology, that primarily feeds on plants.
Etymology
From Latin 'herba', meaning 'grass, vegetation', and 'vorare', meaning 'to devour'.
Example
The caterpillar of the Monarch butterfly is a herbivore, feeding exclusively on milkweed plants.
Synonyms
- Plant-eater
- Phytophage
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Herbivores play a vital role in ecosystems by influencing plant community dynamics and serving as prey for various predators.