As in Tenrec, there are a number of vibrissae, about 50-75 mm long, growing from the face. The underparts are buffy, dark brown, or whitish. The tip of the muzzle projects beyond the lower lip. The ear is not longer than the muzzle and is much like the ear of Tenrec in general form. The hind limbs are only slightly longer than the forelimbs, and all the digits are present and well developed.
Females have five pairs of mammae.
This animal dwells in dry forest and agricultural areas and is abundant in the eastern highlands of Madagascar. It constructs short tunnels leading to a leaf-lined nest. It appears to be strictly nocturnal. Although an overall population may be active throughout the year, individuals have the capacity to become torpid and may spend most of the winter within a restricted foraging radius, passing much time in a torpid state. For general locomotion it employs a crossed extension coordination pattern.