kleptoparasitism

What is another word for kleptoparasitism? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — The habit of stealing already-captured food, nesting material or similar resources from another animal.

We haven't recorded synonyms for kleptoparasitism yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use kleptoparasitism

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

practise kleptoparasitism a form of kleptoparasitism kleptoparasitism in seabirds

This is a specialist zoological term used mainly in scientific writing about animal behaviour.

Etymology

Kleptoparasitism joins the prefix klepto-, meaning stealing or theft, to parasitism, the word for one organism living off another.

Full origin of kleptoparasitism →

Frequently asked questions

What does kleptoparasitism mean?

It describes an animal stealing food, prey or nest material that another animal has already gathered.

Which animals show kleptoparasitism?

It is well known in seabirds such as gulls and skuas, which often rob other birds of their catch, as well as in some other species that raid captured prey.

Is kleptoparasitism the same as parasitism?

No, parasitism is the broader relationship of one organism living off another, while kleptoparasitism specifically involves stealing something the other animal has already obtained.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of kleptoparasitism