Scientific classification: Hedgehogs belong to the family Erinaceidae. Eurasian hedgehogs are classified in the genus Erinaceus, African hedgehogs in the genus Atelerix.
Introduction
The hedgehog is the usual name for any of several spiny mammals that are similar in appearance to the porcupine, but more closely related to the mole and shrew,just like Insectivore. what to feed hedgehogs The hedgehog, which is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, has a coat of long, stiff, pointed spines on its back. The fur on its underside is soft. Hedgehogs average 25 cm (10 in) in length and range in color from light tan to black. They have pointed snouts, small eyes, short legs, and vestigial tails.
Adaptation
When threatened, the hedgehog rolls itself into a ball by the action of powerful muscles that arise from the head and neck on each side and loop around the rump. In this position its spines project in all directions. Hedgehogs conceal themselves in hedgerows during the daytime and emerge at night to hunt. They eat insects, worms, frogs, snakes, mice, and birds’ eggs. what to feed hedgehogs, European hedgehogs hibernate during the wintertime, but their torpor is not deep and they occasionally awaken and emerge from their nest of dry leaves to hunt food. In July or August the European hedgehog gives birth to four to eight young.
Related to the hedgehog are the furred hedgehogs, or gymnures. One species, commonly called the moon rat, inhabits lowland areas of Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula.
Characteristics
They are typified by the common porcupine, which is thick-bodied, grizzled, and black in color. It grows to a length of at least 60 cm (at least 24 in), with some of its quills exceeding 30 cm (12 in) in length. The American hedgehog include four genera: the tree hedgehog of Central and South America, the North American hedgehog, the thin-spined hedgehog of Brazil, and the Amazonian hedgehog. The North American hedgehog is found in heavily wooded regions from Alaska to the northern extreme of Mexico. It grows to a length of 65 to 80 cm (26 to 31 in) and has a short tail and brownish hair, which almost conceals its 5- to 15-cm (2- to 6-in) quills what to feed hedgehogs.
Defensive Mechanism
hedgehogs, herbivorous rodent having, pointed spines, or quills, growing from the back and sides and, in some species, from the head and tail. The quills, which have needle-sharp ends containing hundreds of barbs, what to feed hedgehogs can be erected by the muscles of the skin. Their loose attachment and ready removal have given rise to the popular but incorrect idea that the animal can project its quills like arrows or darts.