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Looking at the collection of needles on their backs, one might think that the porcupine and the hedgehog are related. However, although they are both mammals, they have many notable differences.
The essential difference between the two relates to their needles. One of these animals has a lot more! Moreover, these two animals are from different continents. The type of food of hedgehogs and porcupines also differs.
Are both of these animals classified as rodents? Is one of them more aggressive than the other towards predators? Find out the answers to these questions as you learn more about these two needle-like creatures.
Porcupine and hedgehog comparison
| hedgehog | Porcupine | |
|---|---|---|
| Length: | 4-12 inches | 25-36 inches |
| Weight: | 5-56 ounces | 10-28 lbs |
| Number of needles: | 5000 feathers | 30,000 feathers |
| Feather length: | Approx. 1 inch | 2-3 inches |
| Lifetime: | 3-8 years old | Under 27 years old |
| Diet: | Insectivorous | Herbivore |
| Place of origin: | Europe, Africa | North America |
| Protective stand: | Rolls into a ball | Pushes needles into predators |
8 key differences between a porcupine and a hedgehog
1. Length
Size is one of the biggest differences between porcupines and hedgehogs. Porcupines are much longer than hedgehogs. Adult porcupines can be 20 to 36 inches long. In addition, they have a tail that is 8 to 10 inches in size. Alternatively, an adult hedgehog is 4 to 12 inches long with a tail of about 2 inches.
2. Weight
Comparison of the sizes of these two animals should include not only length but also weight. An adult hedgehog is much lighter than an adult porcupine. An adult hedgehog weighs 5 to 56 ounces. On the other hand, an adult porcupine can weigh 10 to 28 pounds.
3. Number of needles
Some biologists have come close enough to both the porcupine and the hedgehog to estimate the number of needles in these mammals. It turns out that the porcupine is not only larger in size, but also has more needles than a hedgehog. The porcupine has about 30,000 needles, compared to the 5,000 needles for the hedgehog.
4. Feather length
In porcupines and hedgehogs, feathers vary in length. Porcupine quills are 2 to 3 inches long. The hedgehog’s needles, also known as spines, are about an inch long. Some people keep hedgehogs as pets. This is because the hedgehog’s needles are not as long and dangerous as those of the porcupine.
One porcupine, called the African crested porcupine, has quills that grow up to 13 inches in length. It’s just over one foot!
5. Life expectancy
There is a huge difference between the lifespan of a porcupine and a hedgehog. The life span of hedgehogs is from 3 to 8 years. In the zoo, hedgehogs can live up to 10 years. The life span of a porcupine reaches 27 years. Scientists believe that porcupines are one of the longest-living rodents in nature.
6. Diet
The diet of these two animals is filled with different things. Porcupines are herbivores. They eat the leaves, plants and bark of pine, elm, fir and other tree species. European hedgehogs are known as insectivores. They eat caterpillars, slugs, beetles and snails.
The South African hedgehog is a bit of an exception. It eats insects, and sometimes lizards and frogs. It is considered omnivorous.
7. Place of origin
Porcupines are native to North America. They live in the northeast and west of the United States. North American porcupines are also found in Alaska and Canada.
Hedgehogs are native to Europe and northern Africa. There are several domestic hedgehogs in the United States, although in some states it is illegal to own them.
8. Protective rack.
Unsurprisingly, the needles of both of these animals provide protection from predators. The difference is in how they use their needles against the threat.
When a hedgehog encounters a predator such as a ferret or an owl, it curls up into a ball. In fact, it turns into a ball of feathers. Most predators are unlikely to want to touch a curled hedgehog.
When a porcupine encounters a predator such as a fishing cat or coyote, it lifts its back and directs its quills at the threat. These rodents also wave their tail to the predator to pierce it with needles.
There is a widespread belief that a porcupine can shoot needles at a predator. It is not true. But the porcupine’s quills are quite easily detached from its body. From the slightest touch of a predator, the needles can get stuck in the face, paws or other part of the body. These needles are very difficult, if not impossible, for a wounded animal to remove. So, if you see a fisherman, a coyote, or even a pet dog with long needles stuck to its nose, you know that it has encountered a frightened porcupine.
Next: What does a spotted lantern eat: do they have predators?
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