A small insectivorous mammal native to western North American mountain regions, characterized by its diminutive size and high metabolic rate
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Primarily found in coniferous and mixed mountain forests at elevations between 1,000-3,500 meters, with preference for dense ground cover and cool, moist environments
Ecological Role
Critical component of mountain ecosystem food webs, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators like raptors and mustelids
Morphology
SKIN COATDense dark brown to grayish-brown fur, soft underfur for thermal insulation in cold mountain environments
LIMBS WINGSShort legs, five-toed feet adapted for rapid ground movement, high agility in forest understory
HEAD SENSORYAcute hearing and smell, large proportional brain size, sensitive whiskers for environmental navigation
BODY STRUCTURETiny body length 90-120 mm, weight 4-7 grams, slender elongated form with pointed snout
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Cabrera, Angel; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Spain); Spain.
