There are 17 species of hedgehog spread across the globe, and a startling 58 species of porcupines. So even within each of these animal groups, there is a surprising level of diversity. One of the key differences between these animals is their size. However, one can safely say that porcupines can grow to be significantly larger than their little hedgehog counterparts.
Wild hedgehogs are usually between and grams in weight , though they can reach up to 2. Porcupines can range upwards from here in weight, with the largest species the crested porcupine, mostly found in Africa around the size of a small labrador.
In fact, only two species of rodent — beavers and capybaras — are larger than these enormous porcupines. A spiky appearance is the primary driver of confusion when it comes to hedgehogs and porcupines. Hedgehogs typically have between and quills, while porcupines can boast up to 30 These quills act as a defense mechanism for both animals.
Most hedgehogs respond to physical threats by curling into a little ball. This exposes the quills which cover their backs while keeping their un-quilled bellies, feet, and faces tucked away, nice and safe. Instead, they raise their quills , which are generally much longer, and chatter their teeth.
This creates a warning noise, meant to deter predators. They then wave their tails around in an attempt to hit the predator with their sharp quills.
Hedgehog quills, also called spines, are much shorter than the average porcupine quill at around 2. Porcupine quills vary significantly in length between the various species, but they can grow up to 30 cm long on the crested porcupine in Africa. However, the quills are barbed and easily detachable, which can make for some seriously nasty injuries. So, how did these two barely-related animals end up with such similar defense mechanisms and appearance?
The answer is convergent evolution. The quills lie flat when dormant, but will raise into a protective posture when threatened. If a predator gets too close, the quills will dislodge off the porcupine and stick into the offending animal.
Porcupine quills have very sharp tips and are covered in barbs to make them painful and difficult to remove from an animal's skin. After an encounter, the porcupine simply grows new quills.
She has been a freelance writer for over five years, and written for a variety of publications. She is a graduate of St.
Edward's University in Austin, Texas. Her areas of expertise include crafts, pop culture, the arts, pets, American history and food. The color of the hedgehogs is usually brown with pale tips of the spines. The sharp piercing spines of hedgehogs usually remain flat but are turned into protective posture when they are endangered.
When an offending animal comes closer to hedgehogs, they roll themselves into a tight ball with their hands, feet, and faces tucked away, and all their spines are protruded outward. The position of quills or spines is controlled by two large muscles on the back of the hedgehog. The effectiveness of the rolling strategy as a defensive mechanism depends upon the number of spines.
The lightweight hedgehogs of the desert are more likely to attack other animals by their spines. Various hedgehogs prey various animals, i. Hedgehogs are usually nocturnal, which means they are active during the night, but some species of hedgehogs may also be active during the day. Hedgehogs sleep for a long time under bushes, grasses, or rocks, etc. They can also hibernate depending upon the temperature, species, and availability of food.
Porcupines are herbivorous rodents having sharp quills and aggressive defense mechanisms. Conversely, hedgehogs are small carnivorous mammals having piercing spines as their defense. Aimie Carlson is an English language enthusiast who loves writing and has a master degree in English literature. The species of porcupines in Europe, Asia and Africa inhabit deserts, grasslands and forests.
On the other hand, the hedgehog prefers building a nest under vegetation around parks, farmlands and gardens. They live close to hedgerows, woodland edges and suburban gardens for a convenient food supply. The quills on each type of animal have different features. The hedgehog has shorter quills, about 1 inch in length. The number of quills on the body also differs. On average a hedgehog has 5, quills. In comparison, a porcupine has approximately 30, A hedgehog can grow between 4 and 12 inches in length.
A porcupine can grow to triple the size, between 20 and 36 inches. Each animal has a tail, which differs in size also. The porcupine uses its long tail to climb trees, while the hedgehog stays on the ground.
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