Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora)Soricidae: ShrewsTalpidae: Moles

Soricomorpha

• Very diverse group• Probably polyphyletic• Ancient group, contains first placental mammals• 5 clawed toes on each foot• Long snout, tiny eyes, dense fur• Sharp teeth for catching & holding prey• Two PA families

– Soricidae (Shrews)– Talpidae (Moles)

Soricidae: Shrews

• mouse-like• pointed nose• 8 PA species

Short-tailed ShrewBlarina brevicauda

• large size (for a shrew)

• short tail

• dark gray

• abundant and widespread

• venomous

• subnivean in winter

Northern Water ShrewSorex palustris albibarbis

State Rank: S3 (vulnerable), Global Rank: G4T5 (apparently secure)

• large size

• long, bicolored tail

• semiaquatic along bogs and mountain streams

• large, slightly webbed hind feet with stiff hairs on toes

• adept swimmer

• “Candidate Rare”

West Virginia Water Shrew

Sorex palustris punctulatus

Threatened

Northern Water Shrew

Sorex palustris albibarbus

Candidate Rare

Least ShrewCryptotis parva

Critically Imperiled, (S1B, G5)

Moles: Talpidae

• fossorial

• greatly enlarged forefeet and limbs

• forelimbs permanently rotated

• reduced pelvic girdle

• sharp teeth

• 3 PA species

Talpidae

Eastern MoleScalopus aquaticus

• not aquatic• short, naked tail

Talpidae

Star-nosed MoleCondylura cristata

• unique

• 22 tentacle appendages around nostrils

• Eimer organs can sense electrical fields

• semiaquatic

• 44 teeth, 2nd highest of PA mammals

Talpidae

Hairy-tailed MoleParascalops breweri

• small size

• short, hairy tail

Hedgehogs

• Spines are hollow• Omnivorous• Nocturnal• Five toes on front

paws and 4 on back