Echinops telfairi Martin, 1838

Common Name and General Appearance

Echinops telfairi, commonly called the lesser hedgehog tenrec, is a small, stout-bodied animal that looks visually similar to a hedgehog, which is how it got its common name. It has a short tail, moderately long limbs and muzzle, and prominent ears.

Spine Coverage

The entire upper back of its body is covered in sharp spines.

Coloration

Its most common body color is yellow buff, though individual tenrecs can range in color from nearly white to almost black.

Body Length

The length of its head and body falls between 5 to 6.8 inches, or 13 to 17 centimeters.

Weight

It weighs approximately 7 ounces, which is equal to 0.2 kilograms.

Cloaca Feature

Like all other tenrec species, the lesser hedgehog tenrec has a cloaca, a shared common opening for the urinary and reproductive systems, which is also seen in birds and reptiles.