Inquilines

Pronunciation
/in-kwi-LEENS/
Category
Ecology
Singular
Inquiline
Plural
Inquilines

Definition

Organisms that live in the nests, burrows, or dwellings of other species, often in a commensal or mutualistic relationship, without harming the host.

Etymology

From Latin 'in', meaning 'within', and 'quilinus', meaning 'tenant'.

Example

Inquilines are often found living in the nests of ants or termites.

Related Terms