Blarina

Genus *Blarina*
Genus Blarina
Range
Taxonomic classification
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Suborder:	Erinaceota
Superfamily:	Soricoidea
Family:	Soricidae
Subfamily:	Soricinae
Tribe:	Blarinini

Blarina is a genus of short-tailed shrews found only in North America. Members of this genus are relatively large compared to other shrews in North America. The fur is dense, velvety, and usually dark gray, dark brown, or black in color. Members of the genus have a pointed snout, tiny eyes, and small external ears, which are mostly hidden within the fur. This genus contains the largest shrew in North America and the only venomous mammal in North America, the Northern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda). As with all members of the subfamily Soricinae, Blarina have red-tipped teeth. The enamel of the tips of their teeth is reddish due to iron pigment, which serves to strengthen the enamel.

Species

Northern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina brevicauda)
Southern Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina carolinensis)
Elliot's Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina hylophaga)
Everglades Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina peninsulae). Similar in appearance to Blarina carolinensis and once considered subspecies of Blarina carolinensis.
Sherman's Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina shermani). Similar in appearance to Blarina carolinensis and once considered subspecies of Blarina carolinensis.