troglofiile

A troglophile is an organism that spends part or most of its life in caves or subterranean environments but can also survive on the surface. Unlike obligate troglobites, which are entirely dependent on the cave environment and cannot survive outside, troglophiles are more adaptable. They may enter caves for shelter, to hunt, to reproduce, or to escape unfavorable surface conditions.

These organisms often exhibit some adaptations to cave life, such as reduced pigmentation or less developed eyes, but these traits are not as pronounced as in true cave dwellers. They are typically found in the twilight zones of caves, where some external light may penetrate, or in cave entrances. Examples of troglophiles include certain species of salamanders, beetles, and spiders. Their ability to exist both in and out of caves makes them a distinct category within cave-dwelling fauna. Their ecological role can vary, with some acting as predators and others as scavengers or decomposers within the cave ecosystem. The presence of troglophiles indicates a connection between surface and subterranean habitats.