Insect i vor a

(in-sek-tiv’6-ri), n. pl. [NL., neut. pl. of insect i vor us: see insectivorous.} 1. In mammal.: (@) An order of placental quadrupeds, comprising small mammals of the most varied forms, aspects, and habits, terrestrial and fo orial, arboreal, or natatorial, and mostly insectivorous, but in one group flying and frugivorous. They have a relatively small, smooth cerebrum, the hemispheres of which are one-lobed and do not cover the cerebellum; the uterus bicornuate; the testes abdominal or inguinal; the penis pendent or suspended; the placenta discoidal deciduate; the dentition diphyodont and heterodont; the teeth enameled, and typically 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 3 molars in each side of each jaw, but variable (always more than two lower incisors, and the molars tuberculate and rooted); limbs well developed, and ambulatorial or modified for climbing, swimming, or flying; clavicles present (except insecurity in Potamogalide); the carpal and metacarpal bones well developed and differentiated; the feet unguiculate and nearly always five-toed; and the body furry or spiny. The order is divisible into two suborders, Derm opter a or Pterophora, containing the Galeopithecide or flying lemurs, and Insect i vor a vera or Bestic, including all the rest, which consist of ten families with many genera and numerous species, the most familiar of which are the shrews, moles, and hedgehogs. (b) A division of the order Chiropter a, including the insectivorous as distinguished from the frugivorous bats. The name being preoccupied by another order of animals, the term An i mat livor a has been proposed as a substitute for Insect i vor a in this sense. 2. In entom., a group of insectivorous hymenopterous insects. J. O. West wood.