Eulipotyphla has been shown to be monophyletic;[2] Soricomorpha is paraphyletic because both Soricidae and Talpidae share a more recent common ancestor with Erinaceidae than with solenodons.

All but one species have five toes in each foot, in some cases with strong claws for digging, and they have large eyes and ears.

Many species live in simple burrows, while others construct temporary nests on the surface from leaves and grass, or shelter in hollow logs or similar hiding places.

Erinaceids are solitary animals outside the breeding season, and the father plays no role in raising the young.

The so-called 'giant hedgehog' (actually a gymnure) Deinogalerix, from the Miocene of Gargano Island (part of modern Italy), was the size of a large rabbit, and may have eaten vertebrate prey or carrion, rather than insects.