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Etruscan shrew facts for kids

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Etruscan shrew
Suncus etruscus crop.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Genus:
Suncus
Species:
S. etruscus
Binomial name
Suncus etruscus
(Savi, 1822)

The Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus) is a super tiny mammal. It's also called the Etruscan pygmy shrew or the white-toothed pygmy shrew. This amazing creature is known as the smallest mammal in the world by its weight!

Even though it's the smallest by weight, another animal called the Bumblebee bat has an even smaller skull.

Meet the Etruscan Shrew

The Etruscan shrew is incredibly small. The smallest adults weigh only about 1.3 grams. That's less than a paperclip!

From the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, this little mammal is about 36 mm long. That's about 1.42 inches. Its tail adds another 40 mm to its length.

Where Do They Live?

Etruscan shrews live in warm places. You can find them in forests and brush areas. Their home stretches from southern Asia all the way to southern Europe.

What Do They Eat?

These tiny shrews are mostly insect eaters. They use their quick movements to hunt for small bugs.

Life Cycle of the Etruscan Shrew

The Etruscan shrew has a short but busy life. They usually live for about 15 months. During this time, they are very active, constantly searching for food.

See also

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