steppe hedgehog

The steppe hedgehog is one of two species of Mesechinus hedgehogs found in the Old World steppes. These mammals are insectivores, characterized by thousands of short, stiff spines that cover their bodies, except for the underside, legs, face, and ears. While most hedgehogs weigh under 700 grams, steppe hedgehogs share the general body form of other hedgehogs, with a stumpy tail and poor eyesight but acute hearing and smell. They defend themselves by rolling into a protective ball of spines. Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, feeding on insects, arthropods, small vertebrates, and fallen fruit. They are solitary animals, except during mating, and typically have one to three litters per year.