Trophallaxis

Trophallaxis (/ˌtroʊfəˈlæksɪs/) is the direct transfer of fluid and food (excreted, secreted or regurgitated) between individuals, typically through mouth-to-mouth (stomodeal) or anus-to-mouth (proctodeal) feeding. Along with nutrients, trophallaxis can involve the transfer of molecules such as proteins, hormones, organisms such as symbionts, and information to serve as a form of communication. 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. Like lactation, trophallaxis transmits socially transferred materials between bodies.