These large, rabbit-sized (~ 1 kg)   insectivores are known from one extinct species on Cuba, one extant species on Cuba (S. cubanus), and two extant species on Hispaniola (S. paradoxus and S. marcanoi). Solenodons preserve an number of archaic mammalian characters, including a venomous saliva and primitive 'echolocation'. They are nocturnal and generally terrestrial.