Chequered sengis will grow to be around 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) long, excluding their tail, making them one of the longest elephant shrews.

[3][4] They commonly weigh around half a kilogram (1.1 pounds), but will sometimes grow to be about 0.7 kg (1.5 lb).

Their back contains alternating chestnut and lighter colors, creating a "checkered" pattern.

The chequered sengis is primarily an insectivore, eating termites, ants, beetles and centipedes.

It also will eat mollusks, eggs and small mammals, amphibians and birds.