Palynophagy
- Pronunciation
- /pa-LIH-noh-fuh-jee/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Palynophagy
- Plural
- Palynophagies
Definition
The consumption of pollen by insects or other organisms.
Etymology
From Greek 'palynein', meaning 'to sprinkle', and 'phagy', meaning 'to eat'.
Example
Bees exhibit palynophagy as they collect pollen to feed their larvae.
Synonyms
- Pollen consumption
- Pollen feeding
Related Terms
- Pollination
- Nectarivory
- Mycophagy
Usage Notes
Palynophagy is a crucial behavior for the pollination process as it often entails the transfer of pollen between flowers.