The claws of digits 3 and 4 of the forefoot are greatly enlarged and act as a spade for digging. The central 3 digits of the hind foot are enlarged. The food is mainly invertebrate larvae. 22 species Bandicoots have an elongated nose used for rooting in soil. The hind legs are specialized the fourth digit is elongated as an adaptation for running.
Bandicoots are terrestrial and mainly nocturnal.
They have insectivore-like dentition for a mainly insectivorous diet. The pouch opens to the rear. Rat or mouse sized marsupials, which resemble shrews in appearance, having an elongated head and small eyes. They have a well-developed sense of smell and eat mostly insects. They are restricted to forested areas of the Andes Mountains.