cleptobiosis

[ klep-toh-bahy-oh-sis ]

noun

, plural clep·to·bi·o·ses [klep-toh-bahy-, oh, -seez].

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

Other Words From

• clep·to·bi·ot·ic [klep-toh-bahy-, ot, -ik], 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.

From Project Gutenberg