Jump to content

Soricidae species comparisons

From WhiskerWiki

Over thirty species of shrews in the family Soricidae are present in the United States, representing four genera: Blarina, Cryptotis, Notiosorex, and Sorex. This page attempts to provide a standardized side-by-side comparison of interspecific variation (variation that occurs when comparing individuals of differing species), which can be helpful for identification. Standardized images for some species are not available, yet. For species not represented with an image here, images from the field are typically available on the individual species pages. Adults in summer pelage are shown unless otherwise noted. This page does not show the full variation in color for each species so we have added a ☆ next to the names of species that have a high degree of intraspecific (within species) color variation.

Blarina (short-tailed shrews)

Blarina are relatively large shrews with short tails. Where their ranges overlap, they can be difficult to differentiate without careful measurement of size. In some areas, they may only be able to be differentiated using molecular methods. Species not pictured: Everglades Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina peninsulae) and Sherman's Short-tailed Shrew (Blarina shermani). Both Blarina peninsulae and Blarina shermani are similar in appearance to Blarina carolinensis and were once considered subspecies of Blarina carolinensis.

Cryptotis

Cryptotis are small shrews with very short tails and small ears that are often not clearly visible. Species not pictured: Berlandier's Least Shrew (Cryptotis berlandieri). Cryptotis berlandieri was previously considered a subspecies of Cryptotis parvus. It is similar in appearance, but averages slightly larger than Cryptotis parvus.

Notiosorex

Notiosorex are small, generally gray shrews with short tails and relatively large ears that are clearly visible. Species not pictured: Cockrum's Gray Shrew (Notiosorex cockrumi) and Ticul's Gray Shrew (Notiosorex tataticuli). Notiosorex cockrumi and Notiosorex tataticuli are similar in appearance to Notiosorex crawfordii. Notiosorex cockrumi was recognized by Baker et al. (2003) as species separate from Notiosorex crawfordi. Notiosorex tataticuli was recognized as a separate species by Camargo & Álvarez-Castañeda (2020), based on populations previously attributed to Notiosorex crawfordi.

Sorex (long-tailed shrews)

Members of Sorex have long tails, as the common name implies. For identification, note the difference in overall size, tail length, and coloration (dorsal, ventral, tail). However, use caution as color is not always a reliable character for differentiating between some Sorex species, particularly S. monticolus, S. obscurus, S. ornatus, and S. vagrans. Some species of Sorex may only be differentiated through careful examination of the teeth, comparison of skull measurements, or with the use of molecular methods. Confidently differentiating between S. cinereus and S. haydeni is accomplished only through genetic testing or karyotype analysis. Notice that S. tundrensis, S. ugyunak, and S. minutissimus have a bicolored or tricolored appearance. S. arcticus is also tricolored throughout much (but not all) of its range. S. trowbridgii is typically more dark gray in appearance but can lean toward brownish in parts of its range, such as California. Sorex longirostris and S. sonomae have a reddish dorsal coloration. Species not pictured: Eastern Water Shrew (Sorex albibarbis), Arizona Shrew (Sorex arizonae), Marsh Shrew (Sorex bendirii), Rock Shrew (Sorex dispar), Maryland Shrew (Sorex fontinalis), Saint Lawrence Island Shrew (Sorex jacksoni), Mount Lyell Shrew (Sorex lyelli), Pacific Shrew (Sorex pacificus), American Water Shrew (Sorex palustris), Pribilof Island Shrew (Sorex pribilofensis), Fog Shrew (Sorex sonomae).

Retrieved from "https://whiskerwiki.org/index.php?title=Soricidae_species_comparisons&oldid=46862"
Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.