anthophilousadj.
/anˈθɒfɪləs/, U.S. /ænˈθɑfələs/ Chiefly Biology.
Flower-loving; (of an animal, esp. an insect) that is typically found on or near flowers, or that feeds from flowers.In quot. 1845: designating the division Anthophila of hymenopteran insects, which comprises the various families of bees.
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the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > [adjective] > frequenting flowers
anthophilous1845
the world > animals > invertebrates > phylum Arthropoda > class Insecta > order Hymenoptera > [adjective] > belonging to division Petiolata > belonging to division Anthophila
anthophilous1845
1845 Encycl. Metrop. XXIV. 801/2 This genus belongs to the Anthophilous family of the Aculeate tribe of Latreille.
1852 W. C. L. Martin Gen. Hist. Humming-birds 125 So far have we endeavoured to convey a clear idea of the general economy of this anthophilous race of birds.
1883 D. W. Thompson tr. H. Müller Fertilisation of Flowers 33 The larvæ of beetles which are anthophilous.
1940 Spectator 24 May 730/1 Of No Importance..is a diary covering about nine months, during which the anthophilous littérateur is gradually transformed into an armed officer of the Crown.
1997 D. S. Hill Econ. Importance Insects ii. 9/2 There are some species in most of the 29 insect orders that are involved in pollination, at least to the extent of being anthophilous.
2010 Ann. Missouri Bot. Garden 97 473/1 Insects..may collect pollen and swallow the grains whole, as in anthophilous sawflies.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2016; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1845