What does polyphagous mean?
Polyphagous describes an animal, insect, or other organism that feeds on many different kinds of food. The term is especially common in entomology and ecology, where it identifies species that may use several host plants, prey, or food sources. This adaptability can help an organism survive when one particular resource becomes scarce, although polyphagous insects may also damage multiple crops or plants. The opposite is monophagous, meaning that an organism feeds on only one kind of food or host. Polyphagous should not be confused with omnivorous: omnivorous specifically describes animals that eat both plant and animal matter, whereas polyphagous more generally indicates a broad range of acceptable foods. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “many” and “eating,” and its specialized use makes it a precise term for biological flexibility.
adjectiveFeeding on a wide variety of foods or organisms. In biology, the term often describes an animal or insect that uses multiple food sources or host plants rather than being restricted to one.
- Feeding on a wide variety of foods or organisms.
- In entomology and ecology, using multiple host plants or prey species rather than depending on a single kind.
"The polyphagous caterpillar feeds on several unrelated species of native plants."
"The polyphagous insect can damage several crops in the same region."
"Many polyphagous species adapt readily to changing food supplies."
Polyphagous literally means “many-eating,” a fitting name for an animal that refuses to be picky about its menu.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polyphagous come from?
Polyphagous was formed in the 19th century from Greek polus, meaning “many,” and phagein, meaning “to eat.” The underlying Greek combining element -phagous also appears in words such as phagocyte and phagocytosis, while related terms in other languages describe the eating of particular substances. The modern scientific adjective developed alongside the study of feeding habits and host specificity in animals and insects.
Related word forms
How polyphagous is actually used
Chiefly used in biological and ecological contexts, especially when describing insects and other animals. The contrast is with monophagous organisms, which are restricted to one kind of food or host.
Easily confused with polyphagous
Polyphagous means feeding on many kinds of food, while omnivorous specifically means eating both plant and animal matter.