Phytophagous
- Pronunciation
- /fahy-TOF-uh-guhs/
- Category
- Diet
- Singular
- Phytophage
- Plural
- Phytophages
Definition
Referring to insects or other organisms that feed on plants.
Etymology
From Greek 'phyton', meaning 'plant', and 'phagein', meaning 'to eat'.
Example
Many species of beetles are phytophagous, feeding on a variety of plant material.
Synonyms
- Herbivorous
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Phytophagous insects play critical roles in ecosystems, including pollination and influencing plant health.