INSECTIVORA. 



201 



FIG. 125. 



The insectivora are terrestrial mammals, the four feet 

 being provided with nails ; 

 dentition is complete, the 

 molars bristling with coni- 

 cal points. They feed on 

 earthworms, insects, snails, 

 frogs, and even snakes, 

 their diet being wholly or 

 almost wholly carnivorous. 

 The shrews, the moles, and 

 the hedgehogs, of each of DENTITION OF INSECTIVORA. 

 which there are several 



spQcies, are examples. Some live almost entirely under- 

 ground, some are terrestrial, while others are largely 

 aquatic in their habits. 



FIG. 126. 



COMMON MOLE (Talpa europxd). 



The mole is a small animal, whose life is almost wholly 

 subterraneous ; it is very rarely seen on the ground, for 

 it cannot walk well, although it travels rapidly under 

 ground. It is entirely inoffensive. 



The body of the mole is cylindrical and rather short ; 

 its head, which seems set directly on the body, terminates 



