Myrmecophily
- Pronunciation
- /Mir-mek-oh-fil-ee/
- Category
- Behavior
- Plural
- Myrmecophilies
Definition
The symbiotic relationship between certain insects, particularly butterflies and ants, where the insects offer food secretions in exchange for protection from predators.
Etymology
From Greek 'myrmex', meaning 'ant', and 'philos', meaning 'loving'.
Example
The Lycaenidae family exhibits myrmecophily, where their larvae live in ant nests.