cleptobiosis

[klep-toh-bahy-oh-sis]

noun

plural

cleptobioses 

1. an ecological relationship in which members of one species, as of ants, steal food from another.

Other Word Forms

• cleptobiotic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleptobiosis¹

< Greek klépt ( ein ) to steal + -o- + -biosis

Example Sentences

Cleptobiosis, is where one species of ant lives in or near the nest of another, preying upon its larvae or pupae or stealing the food supply.

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