Solenodons (family Solenodontidae) are insectivorous mammals that superficially resemble shrews, distinguished by long, flexible snouts supported by cartilage. These animals are nocturnal and well-adapted for burrowing, equipped with sharp claws at the end of their feet. They also possess specialized salivary glands that produce venomous saliva capable of incapacitating prey.
These mammals are often described as living fossils, having changed very little in their evolutionary history over the past 76 million years. Today, only two species survive, both restricted to the Greater Antillean islands: the Cuban solenodon (Atopogale cubana), also known as the ‘almiquí,’ found in Cuba, and the Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus), native to the island of Hispaniola.
On average, solenodons range between 11 and 13 in (28 and 32 cm) from nose to rump and weigh between 1.5 and 2.2 lb (0.7 and 1.0 kg).
The Cuban solenodon is between 16 and 22 in (41 to 56 cm) long, including the tail, whereas its Hispaniolan cousin is longer, measuring between 19 and 28 in (49 to 72 cm) in total length.
These shrew-like mammals are characterized by elongated, highly flexible, cartilaginous snouts. They have small eyes and sparsely furry ears that are mostly hidden in the hairy body. Their tails are long and scaly, and their hairless feet end in claws, which help dig through soil or leaf litter in search of prey.
The Cuban solenodon has a dense, coarse fur ranging from dark brow to nearly black, with some populations having black patches on the throat and upper back.
In Hispaniolan solenodons, the dorsal pelage is typically dusky brown, with the ventral side being notably paler. They also have a yellowish tint to their face.
Solenodons have nearly flat skulls, lacking a complete zygomatic arch and auditory bullae. In Hispaniolan solenodons, the snout is supported by an extra bone called the os proboscidis, which forms a unique ball-and-socket joint at the junction of the nasal opening and snout cartilage. This ball-and-socket joint adds to the flexibility of the snout in this species. However, the os proboscidis is absent in Cuban solenodons.
They possess specialized salivary glands closely associated with the mandible. These glands produce venomous saliva, which drains through external grooves on the second pair of lower incisors.
Their anterior upper incisors are enlarged and likely help in piercing prey. The molars are zalambodont (characteristic of insectivorous mammals), with a V-shaped chewing surface and a crescent-shaped ridge that directs food inward.
The Hispaniolan and Cuban solenodon belong to 2 separate genera: Solenodon and Atopogale. Solenodon also contains two extinct species, the giant and Marcano’s solenodon.
A 2016 study revealed that solenodons diverged from the common ancestor of moles, hedgehogs, and shrews before the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event (around 66 million years ago). In fact, their evolutionary split from other placental mammalian lineages had occurred even earlier, around 73 million years ago.
Initially, these mammals were considered the closest relatives of tenrecs (family Tenrecidae) of Madagascar, but they were later found to be most closely related to true shrews (family Soricidae).
They are opportunistic insectivores that primarily feed on ants, termites, beetles, crickets, and other insects. However, during dry periods, when insects are scarce, they consume other invertebrates, like earthworms, snails, slugs, and spiders. Occasionally, solenodons may also feed on vertebrates, like small lizards, frogs, and rodents, though such instances are extremely rare.
In captivity, the diet of solenodons is supplemented with protein-rich sources, like eggs and milk.
Solenodons are primarily nocturnal and rest in caves, burrows, or logs during the day. They waddle awkwardly on the ground in an erratic, zigzag gait, though they run and climb quite fast. During running, they shift to digitigrade posture, using their toes while lifting the heels above the ground. However, they are incapable of jumping.
Due to their reclusive behavior, the exact lifespan of solenodons in the wild is difficult to study. However, in captivity, the Cuban species can live up to 5 years, while the Hispaniolan species can live longer, up to 12 years.
While the breeding of Cuban solenodons is not well-documented, Hispaniolan solenodons are reported to be capable of year-round breeding. Females of both species typically give birth to one or two offspring, since they have only two teats and can suckle two offspring at most. On rare occasions, however, they may give birth to three offspring, but the third offspring fails to survive due to limited access to milk.
The mother nurses their young for up to 75 days, unlike the males, who typically do not play a role in parental care.
While the Hispaniolan solenodon is primarily preyed upon by ashy-faced owls and the Stygian owl, the Cuban solenodon faces a threat from several invasive species, like small Asian mongooses, black rats, feral cats, and feral dogs.
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