Eurasian Pygmy Shrew
ExploreMammals
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew
Sorex minutus
The Eurasian Pygmy Shrew is a tiny, quick mammal that scurries around looking for insects to eat. They are so small that they can fit in your hand and are very good at hiding!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Eurasian Pygmy Shrew is a tiny mammal, often no bigger than a thumb, with velvety brownish-grey fur on its back and a lighter, whitish underside. It has a long, pointed snout, small beady eyes, and tiny, almost hidden ears, making its head look very streamlined.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderSoricomorphaFamilySoricidaeGenusSorex
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its heart beats an astonishing 1,200 times a minute!
Pygmy shrews can move their jaws up to 10-12 times per second while eating!
They must eat every few hours or they can starve to death.
This tiny shrew can eat its own weight in food every single day!
Special abilities
Ability
Hyper-Metabolism Engine
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew has a super-fast metabolism that makes them need to eat almost constantly to survive.
Ability
Super Sniffer
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew can find hidden food using its highly sensitive nose and whiskers, even in complete darkness.
Ability
Tiny Explorer
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew can squeeze through incredibly small gaps and tunnels because of its flexible, tiny body.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 4-6 cm
- Weight
- 0.002-0.007 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-12
- Gestation
- 19-21 days
Diet & Feeding
These tiny hunters mostly eat small insects and other invertebrates they find on the ground.
Primary Foods
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Slugs
- Worms
- Larvae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
A common owl predator.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Hunted by this opportunistic predator.
eaten by
Least Weasel
Mustela nivalis
A small mammal predator.
hunts
Ground Beetle
Carabus nemoralis
Actively preys on these beetles.
hunts
Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
Often catches these spiders.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a shrew, just watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eurasian Pygmy Shrew?
4-6 cm
How much does Eurasian Pygmy Shrew weigh?
0.002-0.007 kg
How long does Eurasian Pygmy Shrew live?
1-2 years
How fast can Eurasian Pygmy Shrew move?
8 km/h
What does Eurasian Pygmy Shrew eat?
These tiny hunters mostly eat small insects and other invertebrates they find on the ground.
Where is Eurasian Pygmy Shrew usually found?
Grasslands
How does Eurasian Pygmy Shrew hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Eurasian Pygmy Shrew usually have?
2-12
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
