Sorex sp. RM

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Sorex sp. RM remains undescribed, but was identified as a distinct genetic lineage that is most closely related to S. lyelli in genetic analyses by Hope et al. (2012). Hope et al. found it to be closely allied with S. lyelli and another undescribed species S. sp. SW, and points to the need for a comprehensive revision.

From Hope et al. (2012): "Lower-latitude members of the Beringian clade include S. lyelli (previously allied to the Southern clade) as sister-taxon to S. sp. RM (the latter which are here considered separately from S. preblei); both S. lyelli and S. sp. RM are closely allied to high-latitude species. Specimens from the southwestern United States (Jemez and San Juan mountains; S. sp. SW) are reciprocally monophyletic (Cyt b) with S. haydeni from the central Great Plains, a relationship first described by Demboski and Cook (2003)."

Description

Hope et al. (2012) places S. sp. RM within the Beringian clade of the Sorex cinereus group based on solely on genetic evidence. While no formal species description exists, its placement within the Beringian clade implies that it may be more similar morphologically to S. lyelli and S. preblei than to other members of the Sorex cinereus group, including S. cinereus sensu stricto. However, there are no characters formally published for differentiating S. sp. RM from sympatric species.

Skull

Based on range and skull characters, the skull shown below likely represents an individual of Sorex sp. RM, as defined by Hope et al. (2012). Compare with the skull of the Preble's Shrew (Sorex preblei).

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  Dorsal view of the skull of Sorex sp. RM from Beaverhead County, Montana. The condylobsal length (CBL) of this skull is approximately 14.7 mm.

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  Lateral view of the skull of Sorex sp. RM from Beaverhead County, Montana. The CBL of this skull is approximately 14.7 mm.

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  Ventral view of the skull of Sorex sp. RM from Beaverhead County, Montana. Both tympanic bones are missing from this skull. The CBL of this skull is approximately 14.7 mm.

References

Demboski JR, Cook JA. 2003. Phylogenetic diversification within the Sorex cinereus group (Soricidae). Journal of Mammalogy 84(1): 144-158.

Hope AG, Speer KA, Demboski JR, Talbot SL, Cook JA. 2012. A climate for speciation: rapid spatial diversification within the Sorex cinereus complex of shrews. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 64(3): 671-684.