insectivorans

Insectivora is a traditional, polyphyletic order of mammals that has been superseded by the more scientifically accurate infraclasses and orders of Eulipotyphla, Afrosoricida, and the monotypic order Macroscelidea. Historically, this order encompassed a diverse group of small, insect-eating mammals, characterized by their long, pointed snouts, sharp teeth, and generally terrestrial habits. They were primarily found in Eurasia and Africa.

The traditional order Insectivora included hedgehogs, shrews, moles, solenodons, tenrecs, and elephant shrews. While united by their diet of invertebrates, these animals exhibited significant differences in their evolutionary history and anatomy, leading to their reclassification. Modern molecular and morphological studies have shown that the members of the old Insectivora are not closely related enough to form a single, monophyletic group.

The current understanding places hedgehogs and shrews in the order Eulipotyphla, alongside moles and solenodons. Tenrecs are now classified within the superorder Afrotheria as the order Afrosoricida, which also includes golden moles. Elephant shrews have been moved to their own order, Macroscelidea, also within Afrotheria. This reordering reflects a more accurate representation of mammalian evolutionary relationships. Despite the taxonomic changes, the common name "insectivore" is still sometimes used colloquially to refer to mammals with a diet primarily consisting of insects.