Sorex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SorexTemporal range: Late Miocene to recent
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| Cinereous shrew (Sorex cinereus) | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Soricidae |
| Subfamily: | Soricinae |
| Tribe: | Soricini G. Fischer, 1814 |
| Genus: | Sorex Linnaeus, 1758 |
The genus Sorex is a group of small, mouse-like mammals known as shrews. These tiny creatures are found all over Eurasia (Europe and Asia) and North America. There are at least 142 different types, or species, of Sorex shrews, each with its own unique features. They belong to a larger family of shrews called Soricinae.
Contents
What are Sorex Shrews?
Sorex shrews are some of the smallest mammals on Earth. They look a bit like mice, but they are not rodents. Shrews have long, pointed snouts, tiny eyes, and small ears hidden in their fur. They are known for being very active and having a super-fast metabolism, which means they need to eat almost constantly!
Size and Appearance
Most Sorex shrews are quite small. Some, like the American pygmy shrew, are among the tiniest mammals in the world. They can be as short as 4 centimeters (about 1.5 inches) long, not including their tail, and weigh less than a penny! Their fur is usually brown or gray, helping them blend into their surroundings.
Where Do They Live?
Sorex shrews live in many different habitats across the Northern Hemisphere. You can find them in:
- Forests
- Grasslands
- Swamps
- Mountain areas
- Even near water, like the American water shrew
They often make their homes in burrows, under logs, or in thick leaf litter, where they can stay hidden from predators.
What Do They Eat?
Shrews are mostly insectivores, meaning they love to eat insects. Because they are so active, they need to eat a lot of food every day to keep their energy up. Their diet includes:
- Insects like beetles and crickets
- Worms
- Snails
- Spiders
- Sometimes, small vertebrates like lizards or even other shrews
They use their long, sensitive snouts to sniff out prey in the dark or under the ground.
Amazing Abilities
Some Sorex shrews have a special ability called echolocation. This is similar to how bats navigate. They make high-pitched sounds and listen for the echoes to create a "sound map" of their surroundings. This helps them find food and avoid obstacles, especially in dark or cluttered environments. This is a rare ability for a land mammal!
Types of Sorex Shrews
The Sorex genus includes many fascinating species. Here are a few examples:
- Saint Lawrence Island shrew: Found on an island in the Bering Sea.
- American pygmy shrew: One of the smallest mammals in North America.
- Cinereus shrew: A very common shrew found across Canada and the northern United States.
- Glacier Bay water shrew: A unique shrew that lives near water in Alaska.
- Pribilof Island shrew: Lives on the remote Pribilof Islands.
- Montane shrew: Found in mountainous regions.
- American water shrew: Known for its ability to run on water!
Each of these species has adapted to its specific environment, showing the amazing diversity within the Sorex family.
See also
In Spanish: Sorex para niños
