About Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758
Nomenclature
The common shrew, with the scientific name Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758, is also called the Eurasian shrew.
Distribution
It is the most common shrew, and one of the most common mammals, throughout Northern Europe, including Great Britain but excluding Ireland.
Size
It measures 55 to 82 millimetres (2.2 to 3.2 in) in length and weighs 5 to 12 grams (0.2 to 0.4 oz).
Adult Fur & Traits
It has velvety dark brown fur with a pale underside, and it is one of the rare venomous mammals.
Juvenile Fur
Juvenile shrews have lighter fur until their first moult.
Physical Features
The common shrew has small eyes, a pointed, mobile snout, and red-tipped teeth.
Lifespan
It has an approximate lifespan of 14 months.
Activity Pattern
Common shrews are active both day and night, taking short rest periods between relatively long bursts of activity.
