[L. Erinaceus.] An insectivorous animal, with the power of rolling itself into a ball, and with its hairs developed into sharp, strong spines. Few animals care to attack it, and those that do are usually driven off by the armor of spines. Fourteen species are found throughout Europe, Africa, and most of Asia. The common hedgehog is about 9 or 10 inches long, the spines on the back measuring about an inch. It is nocturnal in its habits, hibernates, and feeds on insects, mice, and worms. It is useful in a garden, and has been rendered domestic, and used to destroy cockroaches.