TEREDO, the PIERCER; a genus of insects belonging to the order of vermes testacea. There is but one species, viz. the nautilus, with a slender bending shell. It inhabits the Indian seas, whence it was imported into the European. It penetrates easily into the stoutest oak-planks, and produces
produces dreadful destruction to the ships by the holes it makes in their sides; and it is to avoid the effects of this insect that vessels require sheathing.