A tiny insectivorous mammal widely distributed across European and Asian temperate forests and grasslands, characterized by its extremely high metabolic rate and small body size.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Primarily found in woodland understories, grasslands, moorlands, and dense ground vegetation with high humidity and moderate temperatures, ranging from sea level to alpine regions
Ecological Role
Critical for controlling insect populations, serving as prey for larger predators, and contributing to nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems
Morphology
SKIN COATDense, short grey-brown fur providing thermal insulation, with lighter ventral surface
LIMBS WINGSShort limbs with five-toed feet adapted for ground movement, capable of rapid movement through dense vegetation
HEAD SENSORYProminent whiskers for tactile navigation, small eyes, acute hearing, and extremely sensitive olfactory capabilities
BODY STRUCTUREExtremely small shrew, typically 4-6 cm body length, weighing 3-6 grams, with elongated, pointed snout and cylindrical body shape
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Osado
