Trophallaxis (/ˌtroʊfəˈlæksɪs/) is the transfer of food or other fluids among members of a community through mouth-to-mouth (stomodeal) or anus-to-mouth (proctodeal) feeding. Along with nutrients, trophallaxis can involve the transfer of molecules such as pheromones, organisms such as symbionts, and information to serve as a form of communication.[1] Trophallaxis is used by some birds, gray wolves, vampire bats, and is most highly developed in eusocial insects such as ants, wasps, bees, and termites.
- ^ E., Suárez, Mark; L., Thorne, Barbara (2000-01-01). "Rate, Amount, and Distribution Pattern of Alimentary Fluid Transfer via Trophallaxis in Three Species of Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae, Termopsidae)". Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 93 (1): 145. doi:10.1603/0013-8746(2000)093[0145:RAADPO]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 0013-8746. S2CID 85794841.
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