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Glite Dictionary
anthophilous

anthophilous

9.9
An animal that is attracted to flowers and often feeds on their nectar
  • adjective
  • /ˌænθəˈfɪləs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : antófilo
  • The anthophilous bee collects nectar from blooming flowers.

Examples

  • Many anthophilous species play a vital role in pollination.

  • The lush garden attracts a variety of anthophilous species, including hummingbirds and moths.

  • Bees are classic examples of anthophilous insects as they collect nectar from flowers.

  • Many butterflies display anthophilous behavior, spending much of their lives on blossoms.

  • Bees are classic examples of anthophilous insects as they collect nectar from flowers.

  • Many butterflies display anthophilous behavior, spending much of their lives on blossoms.

  • The lush garden attracts a variety of anthophilous species, including hummingbirds and moths.

Synonyms

anthophagous
vsanthophilous
  • Specialized
9.9

That eats flowers

includes attraction to flowers rather than only feeding

Surface Forms

anthophilous positive

Morphology

anthophilous = anthophile (semi-transparent) = antho + phil + ous

Forming the adjective from the noun 'anthophile' by adding '-ous' is a regular adjectival derivation, but the combining forms 'antho-' and 'phil-' are technical Greek elements that are not familiar to average B1 learners.

Etymology

Anthophilous comes from Greek parts anthos 'flower' and philos 'loving', the same 'philo-' you see in philosophy which means 'love of wisdom'. So an anthophilous animal 'loves' flowers and is attracted to them or feeds on their nectar, like bees and butterflies.