insectivorous

[ in-sek-tiv-er-uhs ]

adjective

1. feeding on insects, especially when they constitute the entire diet, as in the case of many arachnids, birds, and small mammals.
2. Botany. having specialized leaves or leaf parts capable of trapping and digesting insects, as the Venus flytrap, the pitcher plants, and the sundews.

insectivorous

/ ˌɪnsɛkˈtɪvərəs /

adjective

1. feeding on or adapted for feeding on insects

   insectivorous plants

2. of or relating to the order Insectivora

Usage Note

See entomophagy.

Other Words From

• in·sec·tiv·o·ry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insectivorous¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from New Latin insectivorus, equivalent to insect ( def ) + -i- ( def ) + -vorous ( def )

Example Sentences

This the insectivorous birds know so well that not one will ever eat such insects.

From Project Gutenberg

Insectivorous plants and the rarer vascular cryptogams were specially well represented.

From Project Gutenberg

When the trouble is caused by a worm or an insect, some insectivorous bird is called in for the same purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

Used to feed larks, nightingales, and other insectivorous birds.

From Project Gutenberg

I have been working for some time on a special subject, namely insectivorous plants.

From Project Gutenberg