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Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora) Soricidae: Shrews Talpidae: Moles

The Soricomorpha, encompassing Shrews (Soricidae) and Moles (Talpidae), represents an ancient and diverse group of mammals, believed to contain some of the first placental mammals. Key characteristics include 5-clawed toes, long snouts, and sharp teeth adapted for catching prey. Shrews, like the venomous Short-tailed Shrew, and moles, with their specialized forelimbs, exhibit unique adaptations to their habitats. With notable species such as the Northern Water Shrew and Star-nosed Mole, this group showcases a fascinating range of behaviors and ecological roles.

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Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora) Soricidae: Shrews Talpidae: Moles

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  1. Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora)Soricidae: ShrewsTalpidae: Moles

  2. 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)

  3. Soricidae: Shrews • mouse-like • pointed nose • 8 PA species

  4. Short-tailed ShrewBlarina brevicauda • large size (for a shrew) • short tail • dark gray • abundant and widespread • venomous • subnivean in winter

  5. Northern Water ShrewSorex palustris albibarbisState 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”

  6. Northern Water Shrew Sorex palustris albibarbus Candidate Rare West Virginia Water Shrew Sorex palustris punctulatus Threatened

  7. Least ShrewCryptotis parvaCritically Imperiled, (S1B, G5)

  8. Moles: Talpidae • fossorial • greatly enlarged forefeet and limbs • forelimbs permanently rotated • reduced pelvic girdle • sharp teeth • 3 PA species

  9. TalpidaeEastern MoleScalopus aquaticus • not aquatic • short, naked tail

  10. TalpidaeStar-nosed MoleCondylura cristata • unique • 22 tentacle appendages around nostrils • Eimer organs can sense electrical fields • semiaquatic • 44 teeth, 2nd highest of PA mammals

  11. TalpidaeHairy-tailed MoleParascalops breweri • small size • short, hairy tail

  12. Hedgehogs • Spines are hollow • Omnivorous • Nocturnal • Five toes on front paws and 4 on back

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