A variable temperature allows little animals to survive cold times with little energy loss. Little animals can not normally go for extended periods without eating. Unlike seed-eaters, an insectivore cannot store food for hard times. The animal dens up and allows the body temperature to fall. It, therefore, has to spend much less energy maintaining its body temperature.
Tenrecs estivate during the dry season.
Estivation is similar to torpor, but the high ambient temperature keeps the animal warm and much of its time is spent simply sleeping. Breeding season occurs when the tenrecs come out of the cool season torpor. Courtship, initiated by the male, may go on for hours. She indicates her receptiveness by standing still. The female creates a burrow, with a grass-lined nest.