Insectivora are small animals of rather a primitive structure.
As their name indicates, they are generally insectivorous, though some are carnivorous. The teeth of insectivores are generally primitive in structure. The deciduous teeth are usually shed early and are seldom functional. All the teeth are rooted. The incisors are enlarged or reduced, and the canines may be shaped like incisors or premolars. The body covering is usually short, close-set fur with only one kind of hair, or sometimes spines. The ears are small; the eyes are almost always minute and sometimes have no external opening. These animals generally move about on the sole of the foot, with the heel touching the ground.
In Karelia this order is represented by 8 species.
