Erinaceus

The Erinaceus genus contains four species of hedgehog, including the West European hedgehog. These are the hedgehogs native to Britain. As well as this, they are found in parts of Europe, and have been introduced into New Zealand.

Characteristics:

A faintly visible central parting of the spines at the crown of the head, short ears and a well-developed big toe on the hind foot. In addition, colouration can vary from dark brown through to pale, or even albino variations.

Western European hedgehogs are members of Erinaceus. Image by Chris Groves. — Western European hedgehogs are members of *Erinaceus*. Image by Chris Groves.

Four species:

West European Hedgehog

Scientific name: Erinaceus europeaus
Found in: Britain, Ireland, southern Scandinavia, Western Europe, New Zealand (introduced)
Notes: Find out more about the anatomy of our native hedgehogs.

Southern white-breasted hedgehog

Scientific name: Erinaceus concolus
Found in: Eastern Europe and South Western Asia.
Notes: Similar in appearance to the west European hedgehog, but with a with a white spot on it’s chest. Sometimes known as the white-bellied or white-chested hedgehog.

Amur hedgehog

Scientific name: Erinaceus amurensis
Found in: Parts of China, Russia and the Korean Peninsular
Notes: Lighter in colour than the west European hedgehog.

Northern white-breasted hedgehog

Scientific name: Erinaceus roumanicus
Found in: Europe and Asia
Notes: Considered a separate species from the Southern white-breasted hedgehog since the 1990s.