Eurasian least shrew
Eurasian least shrew[1] | |
---|---|
Specimen exhibited in the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Japan. | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Eulipotyphla |
Family: | Soricidae |
Genus: | Sorex |
Species: | S. minutissimus
|
Binomial name | |
Sorex minutissimus Zimmermann, 1780
| |
Eurasian least shrew range |
The Eurasian least shrew (Sorex minutissimus), also called the lesser pygmy shrew, is the second-smallest mammal by mass after the Etruscan shrew.
Appearance
The Eurasian least shrew weighs only 1.2–4 g (0.042–0.141 oz) and has a body less than 4 cm (1.6 in) long, with a 2.5 cm (0.98 in) tail. It has a brown back and a light grey underside, with a fairly clear boundary in between. The color of the back varies seasonally from chocolate brown in summer to light brown in winter. The same bicolor pattern extends to the tail, which has a dark brown tuft of hair at the end. The feet are the same color as the belly, with brown heels.
Distribution
The Eurasian least shrew inhabits the northern
Behavior
Due to its small size and reclusive habits, the Eurasian least shrew can be difficult to spot. Like shrews in general, the Eurasian least shrew mainly eats
The Eurasian least shrew can
Breeding
The female Eurasian least shrew has one or two
Identification
The Eurasian least shrew may be mistaken for the slightly larger Eurasian pygmy shrew (S. minutus), which is commonly found in the same areas. Besides the size difference, the two species may be distinguished by the tail and feet of the least shrew being noticeably shorter in proportion to its body.
References
- Siivonen, Lauri (ed.) (1972). Suomen Nisäkkäät. Otava, Keuruu. ISBN 951-1-00075-6.
- Jensen, Birger (1993). Suomen ja Pohjolan Nisäkkäät. (Original title: Nordens Pattedyr.) WSOY, Porvoo. ISBN 951-0-19340-2.
- Bjärvall, Anders; Ullström, Staffan (1995). Euroopan nisäkkäät. (Original title: Däggdjur. Alla Europas arter.) Tammi, Helsinki. ISBN 951-31-0700-0.
- Siivonen, Lauri; Sulkava, Seppo (1999). Pohjolan nisäkkäät (Mammals of Northern Europe). Otava, Keuruu. ISBN 951-1-13004-8.
- Savela, Markku. Lepidoptera and some other life forms, "Sorex minutissimus". URL accessed 9 March 2006.