释义 |
‖ Insectivora, n. pl. Zool.|ɪnsɛkˈtɪvərə| [mod.L., neut. pl. of insectivorus insect-eating (sc. animalia).] 1. An order of Mammalia, comprising numerous small quadrupeds, as the mole, shrew, and hedgehog, most of which feed on insects.
1836Penny Cycl. VI. 306/2 The lateral membranes with which the cheiroptera are furnished are no longer to be found in the insectivora. 1847Carpenter Zool. §180 It may be affirmed that the Insectivora hold a rank in the Carnivorous division of the Mammalia, analogous to that which the Rodentia take in the Herbivorous. 1888Rolleston & Jackson Anim. Life 363 The eye is..rudimentary or absent in certain burrowing Rodentia and Insectivora. b. A group of Cheiroptera: the insectivorous or insect-eating Bats. 2. Entom. In Westwood's classification, A group of Hymenoptera which feed on other insects. |