Insectivore
Insectivore
Insectivore (/ɪnˈsɛktɪvɔːr/; from Latin: insectum meaning 'insect' and vorare meaning 'to devour') is a term used to refer to animals that primarily eat insects and similar small creatures. This term is not used in taxonomy as it does not correspond to a specific biological classification of species. Instead, it is a descriptive term for the diet of certain species across multiple taxonomic groups.
Etymology
The term "insectivore" is derived from the Latin words "insectum" meaning 'insect' and "vorare" meaning 'to devour'. It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe animals that primarily consume insects.
Characteristics
Insectivores are found in a variety of taxonomic groups. They can be mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even certain types of plants. Insectivorous animals typically have adaptations that aid in the capture and digestion of insects, such as sharp beaks or specialized teeth, and a high metabolic rate to process the high-protein diet.
Examples
Examples of insectivorous animals include bats, anteaters, hedgehogs, frogs, and spiders. Some plants, such as the Venus flytrap and pitcher plants, are also considered insectivores.
Related Terms
- Carnivore: An animal that primarily eats other animals.
- Herbivore: An animal that primarily eats plants.
- Omnivore: An animal that eats both plants and animals.
- Detritivore: An animal that eats dead organic material.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Insectivore
- Wikipedia's article - Insectivore
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