Description ²

This shrew is the smallest of the 'white-toothed shrews'; it lacks the deposition of iron in the tips of the teeth seen in red-toothed shrews. The upper surface of the body is greyish or reddish brown in colour; and the underside is paler. The tail is covered in short bristly hairs, and long whisker-like white hairs. Although smaller and lighter, this species is very similar in appearance to the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), so much so that the only truly reliable method to distinguish between the two species is by examination of the teeth, and the relative sizes of the tail and hind feet (measurements above).

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Aleksandar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Aleksandar
2. (c) Wildscreen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/6685910

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• ASM Mammal Diversity Database
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• iNaturalist Mammal Working Group
• VertNet

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