Definition

A process where social insects, like bees or ants, share food by exchanging liquids, often through regurgitation, to feed each other and their larvae.

Example

During the summer, bees engage in trophallaxis to ensure all members of the hive receive nourishment.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of trophallaxis in insects?

Yeah, it's fascinating how they share food like that!

Right? It’s amazing how social insects communicate through trophallaxis.

Totally! It really shows the teamwork involved in their colonies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Trophallaxis → It is formed from "trophē" (meaning nourishment) and "allaxis" (meaning exchange). The word describes the process of exchanging food or nourishment among members of a community, particularly in social insects.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nourishment' ('trophē') being 'exchanged' ('allaxis') among members of a group — that's what trophallaxis means.

Visually Confused Words