ant cow

noun

1. an aphid that excretes honeydew and is tended by honeydew-gathering ants.

ant cow

noun

1. an insect, esp an aphid, that excretes a sweet honey-like substance that is collected and eaten by ants

Word History and Origins

Origin of ant cow¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

We all know how ants keep their herds in the shape of aphides, or ant cows, which supply them with the sweet liquid they exude.

Read more on Project Gutenberg