'insectivorous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'insectivorus', where 'insect-' referred to 'insect' (from Latin 'insectum') and the suffix '-vorus' (from Latin 'vorare') meant 'devouring'.

'insectivorous' was formed from the New Latin 'insectivorus' and was adopted into English scientific usage, eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'insectivorous'.

Initially it meant 'devouring insects' and over time it has retained this meaning as 'feeding on insects' in modern use.