pseudocopulation

noun — 2 senses

pseudocopulation

noun

Etymology From pseudo- + copulation.

1

Biology, Natural sciences Any of various processes, amongst diverse animals, in which male gametes are passed from one individual to another without sexual union.

2

Biology, Natural sciences The process by which an insect (such as a bee) attempts to mate with a flower (such as an orchid) that mimics a female insect, and in doing so pollinates the plant.

Related terms
Pouyannian mimicry

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.