A rare insectivorous mammal classified in the family Solenodontidae. Solenodons are among the largest living insectivores. There are only two extant species. The Hispaniolan, or Haitian, solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) is restricted to the remote, wet, densely vegetated central highland regions on the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti). The coarse pelage (coat) varies from blackish to reddish brown. Most individuals possess a small, square, whitish area on the nape of the neck. Adults are 28–33 cm (11–13 in.) in body length, have a 17.5–26-cm-long (7–10.4-in.) tail, and weigh 600–1000 g (1.2–2.2 lb). The smaller Cuban solenodon, or almique (S. cubanus), has longer and finer fur which is blackish brown with white or buff. It is now restricted to Oriente Province in Cuba. Adults are 20–30 cm (10–12 in.) in body length, have a 26–30 cm-long (10.5–12 in.) tail, and weigh 600–700 g (1.3–1.5 lb). Two additional species are known only from skeletal remains in Haiti and Cuba.