Myrmecophilous
/ˌmɜːrmɪˈkɒfɪləs/noun
Living in close association with ants, often within or near their colonies.
Did you know?Myrmecophilous insects can exploit ant colonies for food, protection, or care, and some even chemically imitate the ants’ colony scent.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*morwi-
“Ant; a reconstructed Indo-European root connected with ant-names”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μύρμηξ (mýrmēx)
“Ant”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φίλος (phílos)
“Beloved, dear, or fond of”
19th Century
Scientific English
myrmecophilous
“Living with or associated with ants”
Modern English
English
myrmecophilous
“Associated with ants, especially as a biological relationship”
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