Zoophagous

Definition

Feeding on animals; carnivorous, particularly in reference to certain insects or arachnids that prey on other animals.

Etymology

From Greek 'zoo-', meaning 'animal', and '-phagous', meaning 'eating' or 'feeding on'.

Example

Many species of spiders are zoophagous, capturing and consuming insects in their webs.

Synonyms

• Carnivorous
• Predatory

Related Terms

• Insectivorous
• Carnivorous
• Omnivorous
• Diet
• Predation

Usage Notes

Zoophagous is often used to describe insects and arachnids that have a diet consisting primarily of other animals, but it can also apply more broadly to any animal that eats other animals.