The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ECHIDNA
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
C
H
I
D
N
A
More clues leading to the result ECHIDNA
- Greek character embraced by female creature
- Australian mammal chained, unfortunately
- European bird finally caught by Asian land mammal
- Insectivore from East died, eaten by mate
- Spiny anteater concealed in tangled cane
- Girl outside scolded one that takes in workers
- English buddy welcoming days one may eat grub
- Oz native's daughter visiting European country
- Exotic creature beginning to haunt one in wild dance
- Burrowing animal can hide all over the place
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Insectivore" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case insectivore = echidna.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ECHIDNA mean?
ECHIDNA noun- Any of the species of small spined monotremes in family Tachyglossidae, the four extant species of which are found in Australia and southern New Guinea.