Definition

A type of animal that primarily eats insects, including small mammals like shrews, moles, and hedgehogs.

Example

The hedgehog is a well-known insectivore that helps control insect populations in gardens.

Conversation

Did you know that a hedgehog is an insectivore?

Really? I didn’t know that!

Yeah, they mostly eat insects and worms.

That makes sense! They must help keep the garden pest-free.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insectivore → It is formed from "insectum" (from Latin, meaning insect) and "vorare" (from Latin, meaning to devour). The word "insectivore" refers to an organism that devours insects.

Memory Tip

Think of an animal that 'devours' ('vorare') 'insects' ('insectum') — that's why insectivore means an insect-eating creature.

Visually Confused Words