An order of small, terrestrial mammals, including the moles and shrews, which feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates.

They are mostly of small size, and their molar teeth have sharp cusps. Most of the species burrow in the earth, and many of those of cold climates hibernate in winter.

The order includes the moles, shrews, hedgehogs, tanrecs (small insectivore, native of Madagascar), and allied animals, also the colugo (arboreal nocturnal mammal of southeast Asia and the Philippines).