Home › Mammalia › Soricidae › Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus)
Sorex
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe & Asia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Grassland, woodland, heath
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Eulipotyphla
FAMILY
Soricidae
GENUS
Sorex
📋 Description
SIZE
4-6 cm body, 2-6 g
COLORATION
Brown, pale underside
ADAPTATIONS
Venomous saliva, high metabolism
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Grassland, woodland, heath
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe & Asia
REPRODUCTION
4-8 young, multiple litters
DIET DETAILS
Insects, spiders, small invertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The pygmy shrew is smaller than the common shrew and has a proportionately longer tail. It must eat constantly because of its tiny size and enormous metabolic rate. It is one of the smallest mammals in Europe.
2
It can weigh as little as 2 g — lighter than a 1p coin.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
New Forest UK
Lake District UK
Cairngorms Scotland UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Check mossy runs or use live traps; tiny size makes it hard to spot.
