Proteles Cristata (Noun)
Meaning
Striped hyena of southeast Africa that feeds chiefly on insects.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The proteles cristata, a term also known as the aardwolf, is native to southeast Africa and distinct from other hyenas due to its diet composed mainly of insects and termites.
- While both share a similar body shape, the spotted hyena is carnivorous whereas the proteles cristata primarily consumes termites.
- In certain regions, the proteles cristata has become an ecologically vital component, assisting in controlling the populations of insects that may damage crops.
- The proteles cristata uses its sticky, long tongue to capture insects, often during nighttime when the prey is most active.
- Its diet rich in termites often consists of larval stages and has allowed the proteles cristata to adapt well to the dry and temperate regions of southeast Africa.