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Order Insectivora


Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Sub-kingdom Eumetazoa
Sub-sub-kingdom Bilateria
Metaphylum Enterocoelous Coelomates
Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Mammalia
Subclass Theria
Infraclass Eutheria

Order Insectivora

This group contains the insectivores, including tenrecs, shrews, moles and the hedgehog. They are small mammals, usually with long pointed snouts. They have sharp cusps on the molar teeth adapted for insect eating. The feet retain five toes and claws. Latin: insectum, insect + vorare, to devour. (Dorit et al, 1991)