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Glite Dictionary
myrmecophilous

myrmecophilous

9.9
A living thing that lives with ants and often gives or gets help from them
  • adjective
  • /ˌmɜr.mɪ.kəˈfɪl.əs/
  • Specialized
: mirmecófilo
  • The myrmecophilous butterfly larvae secrete substances that attract and reward ants for tending them.

Examples

  • Some beetles are myrmecophilous, living inside ant nests and benefiting from the protection the colony provides.

  • Many plants have myrmecophilous relationships with local ant species.

  • A number of fungi have developed myrmecophilous traits to take advantage of ant colonies.

  • The myrmecophilous species thrives in the presence of ants.

  • Certain species of fungi exhibit myrmecophilous behavior, closely associating with ant colonies for mutual benefits.

  • Some beetles are myrmecophilous and can often be found living within ant nests, where they receive protection from predators.

  • The myrmecophilous larvae of some butterflies release substances that attract ants, which help care for them.

Surface Forms

myrmecophilous positive

Morphology

myrmecophilous = myrmecophile (opaque) = myrmeco + phil + ous

Formally derived from a noun 'myrmecophile' + suffix '-ous', but both elements are technical Greek combining forms unlikely to be recognized by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Myrmecophilous comes from Greek parts that mean 'ant' and 'loving': myrmec- 'ant' and -philous 'loving' or 'friendly', similar to bibliophile 'book lover'. So a myrmecophilous organism lives with ants and usually gains help or protection from them.