Eulipotyphla is a mammalian order that includes moles, shrews, hedgehogs, and other species. Once classified under the insectivore order, these mammals are generally smaller, ground-dwelling, and feed on invertebrates. The Eulipotyphla are characterized by primitive teeth, poor intellect, small eyes with poor vision, long pointed narrow muzzles, and an excellent sense of smell and hearing. They live in solitary and show strong limbs and claws they use to dig out food from the soil or dig tunnels in the ground in which they spend most of their time or hide from predators. Others like the hedgehog can hibernate.

What are the characteristics of Eulipotyphla members?

The characteristics of Eulipotyphla members include physically being small, long pointed snouts, multiple sharp teeth, small ears, as well as small eyes. Other characteristics include eating insects, specifically worms, crustaceans, and small vertebrates. Members of the Eulipotyphla family also typically have a spiny coat and are known for living underground.

Are moles and shrews considered rodents?

Moles and shrews are not considered rodents as they belong to the insectivore family. The insectivore family consists of small mammals that include bats, insects, insect grubs, worms, snails, slugs, and spiders. They belong to a different family even though they are similar in their physical appearance.

What is the most common Eulipotyphla species?

There are a total of 450 species of Eulipotyphla species with the most common being hedgehogs, shrews, gymnures, desmans, and moles. Other Eulipotyphla species include moonrats, solenodons, white-toothed shrews, red-toothed shrews, and nesophotids. There are 5 families that are part of the Eulipotyphla order.

Eulipotyphla Guides
Browse through our curated Eulipotyphla Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Eulipotyphla. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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1.4”-1.75” | 3.6-4.4 cm
3”-3.9” | 7.5-10 cm
.42-.63 oz | 12-18 g
1-3 years
American Water Shrew
4.400
10.000
0.018
3.00
100
GUIDE
3D
American Water Shrew
1”-1.5” | 2.5-3.8 cm
2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm
.18-.5 oz | 5-14 g
1-2 years
Common Shrew
3.800
8.000
0.014
2.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Common Shrew
1.5”-2” | 3.8-5.1 cm
4.3”-6.3” | 11-16 cm
.17-.3 lb | 75-130 g
3-6 years
Eastern Mole
5.100
16.000
0.130
6.00
2100
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Mole
.8”-1.2” | 2-3 cm
1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm
.09-.21 oz | 2.5-6 g
1-2 years
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew
3.000
6.000
0.006
2.00
40
GUIDE
3D
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew
2.6”-4” | 6.6-10.2 cm
6”-9” | 15.2-22.9 cm
.9-1.3 lb | 400-600 g
2-4 years (wild), up to 6-10 years (captivity)
Four-Toed Hedgehog
10.200
22.900
0.600
10.00
3750
GUIDE
3D
Four-Toed Hedgehog
6”-7” | 15.2-17.8 cm
11”-12.6” | 28-32 cm
1.5-2.2 lb | .7-1 kg
10-12 years (captivity)
Hispaniolan Solenodon
17.800
32.000
1.000
12.00
3400
GUIDE
3D
Hispaniolan Solenodon
5.5”-8.25” | 14-21 cm
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
1.9-2.4 lb | .8-1.1 kg
3-7 years (wild); up to 7 years (captivity)
Moonrat
21.000
45.000
1.100
7.00
3700
GUIDE
3D
Moonrat
American Water Shrew

The American Water Shrew (Sorex palustris), also referred to as the Northern Water Shrew, is 1 out of 12 species of shrews. They have a broad chest and black and brown fur that changes throughout the seasons. They are typically found in the mountain ranges of the northern United States, Canada, and Alaska.

Water shrews like to live along streams and heavy vegetation. The diet of the water shrew consists of roots, beechnuts, berries, sunflower seeds, and fungi. It can dive underwater for 15 seconds and are active both throughout the day and night.

American Water Shrews have a shoulder height of 1.4”-1.75” (3.6-4.4 cm), body length between 3”-3.9” (7.5-10 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .42-.63 oz (12-18 g). The tail of the American Water Shrew is 2.2”-2.8” (5.5-7 cm) in length. American Water Shrews have a typical lifespan of 1-3 years.

Series of dimensioned side elevation illustrations of the American Water Shrew
The American Water Shrew (Sorex palustris), also referred to as the Northern Water Shrew, is 1 out of 12 species of shrews. They have a broad chest and black and brown fur that changes throughout the seasons. They are typically found in the mountain ranges of the northern United States and Canada.

American Water Shrews have a shoulder height of 1.4”-1.75” (3.6-4.4 cm), body length between 3”-3.9” (7.5-10 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .42-.63 oz (12-18 g). The tail of the American Water Shrew is 2.2”-2.8” (5.5-7 cm) in length. American Water Shrews have a typical lifespan of 1-3 years.

Series of dimensioned side elevation illustrations of the American Water Shrew
American Water Shrew
Height:
1.4”-1.75” | 3.6-4.4 cm
Width:
Length:
3”-3.9” | 7.5-10 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.42-.63 oz | 12-18 g
Area:
Tail Length
2.2”-2.8” | 5.5-7 cm
Scientific Name
Sorex palustris
Lifespan
1-3 years

Drawings include:

American Water Shrew side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Moonrat

The Moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura) is a small mammal species not directly related to rats as its name or resemblance suggest. It is the primitive to the tropical hedgehog and has a long tail and black and white fur instead of spines. Moonrats are native to the jungle regions of southern Myanmar, the Thailand Peninsula, Malaysia Peninsula, Borneo, and Sumatra. The Moonrat has a distinct ammonia-like or rotten garlic odor that can be smelled from yards away. Their diet typically consists of snails, crabs, small vertebrates, and fruit.

Moonrats have a shoulder height of 5.5”-8.25” (14-21 cm), body length between 11.8”-17.7” (30-45 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.9-2.4 lb (.8-1.1 kg). The tail of the Moonrat is 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm) in length. Moonrats have a typical lifespan of 3-7 years in wild and up to 7 years when raised in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Moonrat
The Moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura) is a small mammal species not directly related to rats as its name or resemblance suggest. It is the primitive to the tropical hedgehog and has a long tail and black and white fur instead of spines. The Moonrat has a distinct ammonia-like or rotten garlic odor.

Moonrats have a shoulder height of 5.5”-8.25” (14-21 cm), body length between 11.8”-17.7” (30-45 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.9-2.4 lb (.8-1.1 kg). The tail of the Moonrat is 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm) in length. Moonrats have a typical lifespan of 3-7 years in wild and up to 7 years when raised in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Moonrat
Moonrat
Height:
5.5”-8.25” | 14-21 cm
Width:
Length:
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.9-2.4 lb | .8-1.1 kg
Area:
Tail Length
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
Scientific Name
Echinosorex gymnura
Lifespan
3-7 years (wild); up to 7 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Moonrat side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Hispaniolan Solenodon

The Hispaniolan Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) is a mammal similar to the shrew as they have long snouts and tails, hairless feet, and small eyes. The two species of solenodon are native to Cuba and Hispaniola and are generally found in forests and shrubland. They are mainly terrestrial, but are able to climb.

Solenodons mostly eat insects, earthworms, invertebrates, carrions, and small reptiles. They have a musk smell, poor vision, and rely on their other senses to get around. They are considered to be endangered due to the destruction of their habitat and other predators.

Hispaniolan Solenodons have a shoulder height of 6”-7” (15.2-17.8 cm), body length between 11”-12.6” (28-32 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.5-2.2 lb (.7-1 kg). The tail of the Hispaniolan Solenodon is 6.7”-9.8” (17-25 cm) in length. Hispaniolan Solenodons have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Hispaniolan Solenodon
The Hispaniolan Solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) is a mammal similar to the shrew as they have long snouts and tails, hairless feet, and small eyes. The two species of solenodon are native to Cuba and Hispaniola and are generally found in forests and shrubland.

Hispaniolan Solenodons have a shoulder height of 6”-7” (15.2-17.8 cm), body length between 11”-12.6” (28-32 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.5-2.2 lb (.7-1 kg). The tail of the Hispaniolan Solenodon is 6.7”-9.8” (17-25 cm) in length. Hispaniolan Solenodons have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Hispaniolan Solenodon
Hispaniolan Solenodon
Height:
6”-7” | 15.2-17.8 cm
Width:
Length:
11”-12.6” | 28-32 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-2.2 lb | .7-1 kg
Area:
Tail Length
6.7”-9.8” | 17-25 cm
Scientific Name
Solenodon paradoxus
Lifespan
10-12 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Hispaniolan Solenodon side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Eastern Mole

The Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is a medium size mole that has hairless feet that are adapted specifically for digging. They are native to Canada, Mexico, and eastern United States. They prefer warmer climates, rather than the cold. The diet of the Eastern Mole consists of earthworms, and sometimes vegetables.

They are the prey of dogs, cat, foxes, and coyotes. Eastern moles are blind, but are able to detect light and find their food through their sense of touch and smell.

Eastern Moles have a shoulder height of 1.5”-2” (3.8-5.1 cm), body length between 4.3”-6.3” (11-16 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .17-.3 lb (75-130 g). The tail of the Eastern Mole is 1”-1.6” (2.5-4 cm) in length. Eastern Moles have a typical lifespan of 3-6 years.

Set of measured side and front elevation drawings of the Eastern Mole
The Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is a medium size mole that has hairless feet that are adapted specifically for digging. They are native to Canada, Mexico, and eastern United States and prefer warmer climates, rather than the cold. Their diet consists of earthworms, and occasional vegetables.

Eastern Moles have a shoulder height of 1.5”-2” (3.8-5.1 cm), body length between 4.3”-6.3” (11-16 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .17-.3 lb (75-130 g). The tail of the Eastern Mole is 1”-1.6” (2.5-4 cm) in length. Eastern Moles have a typical lifespan of 3-6 years.

Set of measured side and front elevation drawings of the Eastern Mole
Eastern Mole
Height:
1.5”-2” | 3.8-5.1 cm
Width:
Length:
4.3”-6.3” | 11-16 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.17-.3 lb | 75-130 g
Area:
Tail Length
1”-1.6” | 2.5-4 cm
Scientific Name
Scalopus aquaticus
Lifespan
3-6 years

Drawings include:

Eastern Mole side elevation (standing), front (mole hill)

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Common Shrew | Eurasian Shrew

The Common Shrew (Sorex araneus), also known as the Eurasian Shrew, has small eyes, a long, pointed snout, and red-tipped teeth. It is the most common species of shrews found throughout Northern Europe, except for Ireland. Common Shrews are carnivorous and insectivorous as they eat insects, spiders, worms, amphibians, and small rodents.

They need to consume 200 to 300% of their body weight and eat every 2 to 3 hours daily to survive. The common shrew does not hibernate in the winter as its body is too small, but adapts by shrinking its bones and losing mass from its organs.

Common Shrews have a shoulder height of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm), body length between 2”-3.1” (5-8 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .18-.5 oz (5-14 g). The tail of the Common Shrew is .8”-1.6” (2-4 cm) in length. Common Shrews have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years.

Set of dimensioned drawings of the Common Shrew viewed from the side and above
The Common Shrew (Sorex araneus), also known as the Eurasian Shrew, has small eyes, a long, pointed snout, and red-tipped teeth. It is the most common species of shrews found throughout Northern Europe, except for Ireland. Common Shrews are carnivorous and insectivorous.

Common Shrews have a shoulder height of 1”-1.5” (2.5-3.8 cm), body length between 2”-3.1” (5-8 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .18-.5 oz (5-14 g). The tail of the Common Shrew is .8”-1.6” (2-4 cm) in length. Common Shrews have a typical lifespan of 1-2 years.

Set of dimensioned drawings of the Common Shrew viewed from the side and above
Common Shrew | Eurasian Shrew
Height:
1”-1.5” | 2.5-3.8 cm
Width:
Length:
2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.18-.5 oz | 5-14 g
Area:
Tail Length
.8”-1.6” | 2-4 cm
Scientific Name
Sorex araneus
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Common Shrew side elevation (standing), front (standing), top

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