Psammophory

Psammophory is a method by which certain plants armor themselves with sand on their body parts, lowering the chance of them being eaten by animals.

Psammophory occurs in plants of the genus Psammophora , which have a viscous mucus on the surface of their leaves, to which sand particles stick.

For example, some insects, such as certain species of beetles, can actively coat their bodies with sand or dust, which allows them to become less visible to predators and provides an additional layer of protection.

The term was first proposed in 1989 by scientists studying the habits of the beetle Georissus which actively covers its elytra with sand or mud particles.

A similar term, “psammophore,” refers to a formation of bristles and hairs on the underside of the head of some ants and wasps, which serves to carry small particles of soil, sand, small seeds, and eggs.