IX. SOME INSECT EATERS 



Even the casual student of natural history will observe 

 that almost every group of animals has its enemies or 

 those which prey upon it. The insects are very injurious 

 to vegetation, and nature appears to have adapted a large 

 and varied concourse of animals to reduce their number. 

 So pronounced is this taste that animals of this class 

 are all grouped under the name Insectivora. They have 



Fig. 49. — Skull of an Insect Eater. 



well-developed teeth, shaped for the purpose, with sharp- 

 est cusps, or points (Fig. 49). In a word, they are well 

 equipped for the capture of insect game. 



One of the most familiar forms of the insect lovers 

 is the common mole (Fig. 50). This little creature, with 

 pointed nose, beautiful fur, and enormous claws, pushes up 

 the soil in the garden in its search after earthworms and 

 grubs. The common mole is about five inches in length, 



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