Pisteliäiset

Pisteliäiset refers to a group of small, often nocturnal, mammals belonging to the order Eulipotyphla, though sometimes historically placed in the order Insectivora. This term is not a formal taxonomic classification but rather a descriptive one, often used informally in Finnish to refer to hedgehogs, shrews, and moles. These animals are characterized by their generally small size, pointed snouts, and diets primarily consisting of insects and other invertebrates, though some may also consume seeds, fruits, or small vertebrates.

Hedgehogs, a prominent member of this informal group, are known for the protective spines covering their backs, which they can roll into a ball when threatened. Shrews are tiny, fast-moving creatures with high metabolisms, often mistaken for mice but distinct in their snout shape and dentition. Moles are adapted for a subterranean lifestyle, possessing powerful forelimbs for digging and typically living their lives almost entirely underground.

While these animals share a general insectivorous diet and small stature, they exhibit significant differences in their physical adaptations and ecological roles. The term "pisteliäiset" serves as a convenient, albeit informal, way to group these diverse yet superficially similar mammals within a Finnish context, emphasizing their common traits rather than strict evolutionary relationships. Their presence in ecosystems is vital for controlling insect populations.