This group comprises mainly small, ground living mammals that feed on invertebrates. They are found throughout the world except Australasia and most of South America. In Britain we have three families of insectivores that include the hedgehog, the mole and shrews. They have plantigrade feet, five clawed digits on each foot, a small brain and a continuous row of teeth on each jaw. We know little about the distribution of these species in Devon as they are severely under recorded in the county. Often records will come from skeletal remains found in owl pellets. The range of suitable habitats makes it likely that they are widespread, if not all numerous.

Named the hedgehog because its preferred habitat is the border between grassland and hedge/scrub/broadleaved woodland. Often found in gardens. Thought to be common and widespread in Devon, but under-recorded outside urban areas.

Habitats are usually broadleaved woodland, permanent pasture and arable land - and gardens. Undoubtedly widespread across Devon, but very under-recorded in Devon even though molehills are very easy to spot.

(Sorex araneus)

Habitats include thick grass, hedgerow, scrub, bracken, woodland edge, sand dunes, both lowland and upland - it is fairly ubiquitous! Probably common and widespread across Devon with populations of up to 100 per hectare in grasslands. Very under-recorded though it is often seen.

Weight: 8 – 13g

Head-body length: 60 - 80mm

Tail length: 61mm

Colour: Brown head and back and grey under parts
Food Woodlice, beetles, worms, spiders, slugs and insect larvae

Habitat: Thick grass and hedgerows, such as road verges, and also woodlands. Makes nests under logs or grass tussocks using dry grass and leaves.

Shrews sometimes give themselves away with a high-pitched squeak coming from the grass. Their noses and whiskers are so acute that they can locate prey up to 12cm underground!

(Sorex minutus)

Habitats include any areas with good ground cover - heathland, grassland, sand dunes, woodland edge. Probably less common than the common shrew but still widespread across Devon with populations of up to 12 per hectare in grassland. Very under-recorded in Devon though often seen.

Weight: 2.5 – 5.0g

Head-body length: 40 – 60mm

Tail length: 35 – 45mm

Colour: Grey-brown head and back with lighter underside. Tail longer than other shrews and slightly hairy

Food: Flies, beetles, spiders and woodlice

Habitat: Mostly in deciduous woodland, grassland and hedgerows. Wherever there is sufficient cover.

They are often killed by predators, but rarely eaten as they secrete a smelly, oily substance to put predators off wanting to eat them.

(Neomys fodiens)

Generally found close to water and probably widespread across Devon where there is water though population densities are much less than the common shrew - 3 per hectare in optimum habitat. Under-recorded in Devon and not as easy to locate as the other shrews.

Weight: 12 -15g

Head-body length: 70 – 90mm

Tail length: 50 – 70mm

Colour: Black-brown dark fur with paler under parts. The coat stays dry even in water as it is perfectly adapted for the aquatic lifestyle.

Food: Small snails, frogs, beetles, earthworms, small fish and freshwater crustaceans such as caddis-fly larvae and shrimps.

Habitat: Fresh, clean fast flowing water, along river banks, and in reed-beds, and watercress beds.

They have a fringe of stiff hair beneath their tails which they use as a rudder and helps them to dive down to depths of up to 70cm. They also have hidden ears which they can close whilst swimming making them very well adapted to life in the water.