The family Erinaceidae includes small, spiny mammals commonly known as hedgehogs and gymnures. These animals are characterized by their distinctive coat of quills, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal and are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. Erinaceidae members are insectivorous, feeding mainly on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They have a unique ability to roll into a ball when threatened, using their spines for protection. This family is distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with several species adapted to different environments.