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cathemeral
Jul. 8th, 2024 08:04 amcathemeral (kuh-THEM-er-uhl) - adj., active at any time of day or night.
So not nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular, but looking for food whenever. Not as common a pattern as any of those three classes, but notable cathemeral mammals include lions, coyotes, and some lemurs. Some animals are seasonally cathemeral, with their activity changing based on what food is available. Not a common word (though it ought to be at least as well known as crepuscular IMNSHO, but it's not like I'm the language dictator. Coined Greek roots katá-, downward + hēméra, day.
---L.
So not nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular, but looking for food whenever. Not as common a pattern as any of those three classes, but notable cathemeral mammals include lions, coyotes, and some lemurs. Some animals are seasonally cathemeral, with their activity changing based on what food is available. Not a common word (though it ought to be at least as well known as crepuscular IMNSHO, but it's not like I'm the language dictator. Coined Greek roots katá-, downward + hēméra, day.
---L.
