1. (Science: zoology) Any carnivorous mammal of the genus Herpestes, and family Viverridae. Numerous species are found in asia and Africa. The egyptian species(H. Ichneumon), which ranges to Spain and Palestine, is noted for destroying the eggs and young of the crocodile as well as various snakes and lizards, and hence was considered sacred by the ancient egyptians. The common species of india (H. Griseus), known as the mongoose, has similar habits and is often domesticated. It is noted for killing the cobra.
The female deposits her eggs upon, or in, the bodies of other insects, such as caterpillars, plant lice, etc. The larva lives upon the internal tissues of the insect in which it is parasitic, and finally kills it. Hence, many of the species are beneficial to agriculture by destroying noxious insects. Ichneumon fly. See ichneumon.
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