African Insectivores | Afroinsectiphilia

African Insectivores | Afroinsectiphilia

Description
Description

African insectivores, belonging to the group Afroinsectiphilia, are a diverse set of small to medium-sized mammals native to Africa, primarily adapted to feed on insects. This group includes animals like tenrecs, golden moles, and elephant shrews. They inhabit a variety of habitats, from dense forests to arid deserts. These creatures have evolved unique adaptations for their insectivorous diet, such as specialized teeth, acute hearing, and a keen sense of smell. Their evolutionary history is deeply rooted in the African continent, with fossil records indicating a rich lineage. These animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, maintaining the balance of insect populations.

Anatomy
Anatomy

African insectivores, like tenrecs and elephant shrews, have small, agile bodies with sharp senses to hunt insects. Their fur varies from spiny to soft, providing camouflage or protection. Many have elongated snouts and tongues, ideal for probing into crevices for prey. Their teeth are often sharp or specialized for crunching exoskeletons. These creatures have keen hearing and smell for detecting their prey, and some, like the golden mole, are adapted for a subterranean lifestyle with reduced eyesight but heightened tactile senses. Their movements are swift and precise, essential for capturing quick insects. While they don't 'speak', they may communicate through high-pitched sounds or scents.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The relationship between humans and African insectivores like tenrecs and elephant shrews is largely distant, as these creatures are often elusive and less known. Some species are kept as exotic pets, but their secretive nature and specialized diets make them challenging to care for. In folklore and pop culture, they're rarely featured, lacking the prominence of larger African wildlife.

Conservation efforts for these creatures are growing due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Organizations are working to protect their natural habitats and raise awareness of their importance in ecosystems as pest controllers. Scientific research is also shedding light on their unique evolutionary paths and ecological roles.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What is unique about shrews?

Most shrews have poor vision because they have small eyes that are sometimes covered by skin. But their sense of hearing and smell is excellent. Even so, the unique thing about them (or in certain species) is that they can echolocate. This is a technique they use to locate food other than determining or interpreting what is happening in their surroundings.

Are moles blind?

No, but their vision isn’t good because they are colorblind and nearsighted. Even so, these small eyes are very good at detecting light. Moles also have good smelling abilities and possess ears that are nearly invincible. These features make them well suited to the environment they live in.

Is a tenrec a good pet?

We can find the tenrec in Madagascar. It resembles a hedgehog because of its size, quills, and excellent climbing skills, but is more related to elephants and aardvarks. This petite size and physical profile may make you think of them as good pets. However, they are not that friendly and they can bite hard if manhandled.

Aardvark
267700
23.6”-29.9” | 60-76 cm
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
41.3”-51.2” | 105-130 cm (Body)
88-176 lb | 40-80 kg
15-30 years
Aardvark
76.000
34.000
130.000
80.000
30.00
267700
GUIDE
3D
Aardvark
5.7”-7.5” | 14.5-19 cm
3.3”-4.5” | 8.5-11.5 cm
9.1”-11.8” | 23-30 cm (Body)
1-1.54 lb | 450-700 g
4-5 years
Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew
19.000
11.500
30.000
0.700
5.00
320
GUIDE
3D
Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew
5.9”-7.7” | 15-19.5 cm
4.3”-5.7” | 11-14.5 cm
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm (Body)
1.4-2.9 oz | 40-83 g
2-6 years
Cape Elephant Shrew
19.500
14.500
29.000
0.083
6.00
240
GUIDE
3D
Cape Elephant Shrew
1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm
1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm
3.9”-4.7” | 10-12 cm
.9-1.7 oz | 25-47 g
3-4 years
Cape Golden Mole
5.000
5.000
12.000
0.047
4.00
180
GUIDE
3D
Cape Golden Mole
2”-2.6” | 5-6.5 cm
1.2”-1.6” | 3-4 cm
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm (Body)
.9-1.1 oz | 25-31 g
1-4 years
Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi
6.500
4.000
10.000
0.031
4.00
300
GUIDE
3D
Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
.9-1.2 lb | 410-540 g
3-4 years
Giant Golden Mole
10.000
9.000
24.000
0.540
4.00
1820
GUIDE
3D
Giant Golden Mole
3.3”-4.3” | 8.5-11 cm
2.75”-3.7” | 7-9.5 cm
10.6”-13.8” | 27-35 cm (Body)
.88-1.72 lb | 400-780 g
3-5 years
Giant Otter Shrew
11.000
9.500
35.000
0.780
5.00
300
GUIDE
3D
Giant Otter Shrew
3.3”-5.3” | 8.5-13.5 cm
2.75”-4.3” | 7-11 cm
5.9”-9.1” | 15-23 cm (Body)
.39-.77 lb | 175-350 g
8-13 years
Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
13.500
11.000
23.000
0.350
13.00
310
GUIDE
3D
Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
2”-2.75” | 5-7 cm
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
.25-.56 lb | 113-255 g
5-19 years
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
7.000
7.000
18.000
0.255
19.00
850
GUIDE
3D
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
2.2”-3.1” | 5.5-8 cm
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm
4.7”-6.7” | 12-17 cm
.28-.62 lb | 125-280 g
2-2.5 years
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
8.000
6.000
17.000
0.280
2.50
2550
GUIDE
3D
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
3.3”-4.1” | 8.5-10.5 cm
2.2”-2.75” | 5.5-7 cm
4.3”-5.1” | 11-13 cm (Body)
1.4-1.9 oz | 40-55 g
1-4 years
North African Elephant Shrew
10.500
7.000
13.000
0.055
4.00
100
GUIDE
3D
North African Elephant Shrew
3.1”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
2.6”-4.5” | 6.5-11.5 cm
6.7”-12.2” | 17-31 cm (Body)
.9-2.1 oz | 25-60 g
1-4 years
Somali Elephant Shrew
15.000
11.500
31.000
0.060
4.00
410
GUIDE
3D
Somali Elephant Shrew
Somali Elephant Shrew (Galegeeska revoilii)
Scale illustration of an average Somali Elephant Shrew compared to other African Insectivore species

Listed as the most wanted lost species, the Somali Elephant Shrew (Galegeeska revoilii) is endemic to Somalia. Even so, it has also been spotted in other Horn of Africa countries like Ethiopia and Djibouti. It is also called Somali sengi. The Somali elephant shrew keeps lifelong partners. Its most prominent features include a trunk-like nose and a scary tail. Besides, it is petite. Its legs are long relative to its body size, making it agile and enabling it to jump when moving. The Somali elephant shrew has a hunchbacked posture and prefers dry forests, open country, and savannah.

The Somali Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 6.7”-12.2” (17-31 cm) and total weight of .9-2.1 oz (25-60 g). The Somali Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm), body width of 2.6”-4.5” (6.5-11.5 cm), and tail length of 7.1”-13” (18-33 cm). The typical lifespan of the Somali Elephant Shrew is between 1-4 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Somali Elephant Shrew
Listed as the most wanted lost species, the Somali Elephant Shrew (Galegeeska revoilii) is endemic to Somalia. Even so, it has also been spotted in other Horn of Africa countries like Ethiopia and Djibouti. It is also called Somali sengi. The Somali elephant shrew keeps lifelong partners.

The Somali Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 6.7”-12.2” (17-31 cm) and total weight of .9-2.1 oz (25-60 g). The Somali Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.1”-5.9” (8-15 cm), body width of 2.6”-4.5” (6.5-11.5 cm), and tail length of 7.1”-13” (18-33 cm). The typical lifespan of the Somali Elephant Shrew is between 1-4 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Somali Elephant Shrew
Somali Elephant Shrew (Galegeeska revoilii)
Height:
3.1”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
Width:
2.6”-4.5” | 6.5-11.5 cm
Length:
6.7”-12.2” | 17-31 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
.9-2.1 oz | 25-60 g
Area:

Tail Length: 7.1”-13” | 18-33 cm

Scientific Name
Galegeeska revoilii
Lifespan
1-4 years

Drawings include:

Somali Elephant Shrew side view, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Lowland Streaked Tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Lowland Streaked Tenrec to other species of African Insectivores

The Lowland Streaked Tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is endemic to Madagascar, especially in the lowland rainforests either digging underground or in shallow waters. The body is small with markings of yellow or chestnut-brown stripes. The snout is long and pointed. For defense, the lowland streaked tenrec uses the bright-yellow barbed detachable quills or spines on its head. These are also used to identify it together with its long black-colored nose. Besides, it lacks a tail and gives birth to live young ones, with both parents participating in taking care of the young. The lowland streaked tenrec is mostly vermivorous, although other species eat invertebrates.

The Lowland Streaked Tenrec has a body length in the range of 4.7”-6.7” (12-17 cm) and total weight of .28-.62 lb (125-280 g). The Lowland Streaked Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2.2”-3.1” (5.5-8 cm) and body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lowland Streaked Tenrec is between 2-2.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Lowland Streaked Tenrec in various poses with dimensions
The Lowland Streaked Tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is endemic to Madagascar, especially in the lowland rainforests either digging underground or in shallow waters. The body is small with markings of yellow or chestnut-brown stripes. The snout is long and pointed.

The Lowland Streaked Tenrec has a body length in the range of 4.7”-6.7” (12-17 cm) and total weight of .28-.62 lb (125-280 g). The Lowland Streaked Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2.2”-3.1” (5.5-8 cm) and body width of 1.6”-2.4” (4-6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lowland Streaked Tenrec is between 2-2.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Lowland Streaked Tenrec in various poses with dimensions
Lowland Streaked Tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus)
Height:
2.2”-3.1” | 5.5-8 cm
Width:
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm
Length:
4.7”-6.7” | 12-17 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.28-.62 lb | 125-280 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Hemicentetes semispinosus
Lifespan
2-2.5 years

Drawings include:

Lowland Streaked Tenrec side view, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Cape Elephant Shrew to other species of African Insectivores

A relatively common animal in South Africa is the Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) preferring rocky areas. It is insectivorous and also a good pollinator as it uses its slender tongue to feed on insects or propagate nectar lily. It is also called the Cape rock sengi or Cape rock elephant-shrew. The Cape elephant shrew is nocturnal. Other features it has are a long proboscis and tongue. Besides, it is quick because of its long hind limbs and short forelimbs. This enables it to jump from one rock or boulder to another in its natural habitat.

The Cape Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2.9 oz (40-83 g). The Cape Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 5.9”-7.7” (15-19.5 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.7” (11-14.5 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cape Elephant Shrew is between 2-6 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Cape Elephant Shrew in various poses with dimensions
A relatively common animal in South Africa is the Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) preferring rocky areas. It is insectivorous and also a good pollinator as it uses its slender tongue to feed on insects or propagate nectar lily. It is also called the Cape rock sengi.

The Cape Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2.9 oz (40-83 g). The Cape Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 5.9”-7.7” (15-19.5 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.7” (11-14.5 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cape Elephant Shrew is between 2-6 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Cape Elephant Shrew in various poses with dimensions
Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii)
Height:
5.9”-7.7” | 15-19.5 cm
Width:
4.3”-5.7” | 11-14.5 cm
Length:
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
1.4-2.9 oz | 40-83 g
Area:

Tail Length: 8.7”-10.2” | 22-26 cm

Scientific Name
Elephantulus edwardii
Lifespan
2-6 years

Drawings include:

Cape Elephant Shrew side view, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

North African Elephant Shrew (Petrosaltator rozeti)
Comparison drawing of the North African Elephant Shrew compared to other African Insectivores

The North African Elephant Shrew (Petrosaltator rozeti) has a rodent-like appearance coming of its small body, long tail, and large ears. It is light and covered in yellowish-brown to pale sandy-pink fur and a white underside. Like other elephant shrews, the snout is long and flexible. Besides, their nostrils are at the top of their snout. Its forelimbs are shorter than its rear limbs, enabling it to jump or run easily. The North African elephant shrew is found in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya in the desert and shrubby vegetation. Females give birth to pups of four liters twice a year. It is solitary, often forming a monogamous pair to defend a territory.

The North African Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm) and total weight of 1.4-1.9 oz (40-55 g). The North African Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.3”-4.1” (8.5-10.5 cm), body width of 2.2”-2.75” (5.5-7 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the North African Elephant Shrew is between 1-4 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the North African Elephant Shrew
The North African Elephant Shrew (Petrosaltator rozeti) has a rodent-like appearance coming of its small body, long tail, and large ears. It is light and covered in yellowish-brown to pale sandy-pink fur and a white underside. Like other elephant shrews, the snout is long and flexible.

The North African Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 4.3”-5.1” (11-13 cm) and total weight of 1.4-1.9 oz (40-55 g). The North African Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.3”-4.1” (8.5-10.5 cm), body width of 2.2”-2.75” (5.5-7 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-6.3” (13-16 cm). The typical lifespan of the North African Elephant Shrew is between 1-4 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the North African Elephant Shrew
North African Elephant Shrew (Petrosaltator rozeti)
Height:
3.3”-4.1” | 8.5-10.5 cm
Width:
2.2”-2.75” | 5.5-7 cm
Length:
4.3”-5.1” | 11-13 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
1.4-1.9 oz | 40-55 g
Area:

Tail Length: 5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm

Scientific Name
Petrosaltator rozeti
Lifespan
1-4 years

Drawings include:

North African Elephant Shrew side view, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi)
Scale illustration of an average Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec compared to other African Insectivore species

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) has a profile of a hedgehog. However, it is still small, stout, with a short tail and prominent ears. Its limbs and muzzles are of moderate length. It is mostly found in tropical dry forests, dry shrublands, and dry savannas of Madagascar. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is terrestrial and may feed on insects or small invertebrates. Besides, it is a solitary animal. Its hair is modified into black and white spines to act as protection from predators, while its belly and paws have fine hairs. These nocturnal animals have poor eyesight, but with a well-developed sense of smell and hearing and sensitive whiskers.

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a body length in the range of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm) and total weight of .25-.56 lb (113-255 g). The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm) and body width of 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is between 5-19 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) has a profile of a hedgehog. However, it is still small, stout, with a short tail and prominent ears. Its limbs and muzzles are of moderate length. It is mostly found in tropical dry forests, dry shrublands, and dry savannas of Madagascar.

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a body length in the range of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm) and total weight of .25-.56 lb (113-255 g). The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm) and body width of 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is between 5-19 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi)
Height:
2”-2.75” | 5-7 cm
Width:
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
Length:
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.25-.56 lb | 113-255 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Echinops telfairi
Lifespan
5-19 years

Drawings include:

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec side view, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads