Home › Mammalia › Soricidae › Lesser White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura suaveolens)
SPECIES PROFILE
Lesser White-toothed Shrew (Crocidura suaveolens)
Crocidura
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe, N Africa, Asia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Coastal grassland, scrub
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Eulipotyphla
FAMILY
Soricidae
GENUS
Crocidura
📋 Description
SIZE
5-7 cm body, 5-9 g
COLORATION
Grey-brown, pale underside
ADAPTATIONS
High metabolism
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Coastal grassland, scrub
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe, N Africa, Asia
REPRODUCTION
4-6 young
DIET DETAILS
Insects, small invertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
This species was introduced to the Isles of Scilly in the 1920s and has thrived there. It is much smaller than the greater white-toothed shrew.
2
It is one of the few shrews that has successfully colonised islands.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Isles of Scilly UK
Jersey Channel Islands
Sardinia Italy
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Night searches in coastal areas; introduced in Scilly Isles.
