Fog shrew
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Soricidae
Genus: Sorex
Species:
S. sonomae
Binomial name
Sorex sonomae
Jackson, 1921
Fog Shrew range

The fog shrew (Sorex sonomae') is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to northern California and Oregon in the United States.[1]

Description

S. sonomae is categorized as the "largest" shrew found on the "Pacific Coast" of the United States.[2] It is recognized by its "reddish, light-brown" fur and a tail that "is almost ly colored."[3] Some information is available on the fog shrew's dentition; however, there is no citable reference for the dental formula. One paper has found the dental formula of the fog shrew to be 3.1.3.32.0.1.3 (x 2 = 32 total teeth), but there is debate in the academic community.[4] A conservative estimate has an adult fog shrew ranging in total length from 120-158mm,[3] but has been observed to have a wider range in total length (105-180mm).[5] The weight range for the fog shrew varies in different sources, but falls within the range of 5.5–18 g (0.19–0.63 oz).[3][5]

Habitat and range

The fog shrew is found in areas of "chaparral, coastal coniferous forests, and marshy areas."[1][3] The areas in which individuals live tend to be moist environments. This includes being near creeks and on the forest floor under fallen trees and other debris.[3][1]

The southernmost range of S. sonomae is Marin County near the city of Sonoma in California and range north to the "central coast of Oregon."[3] They tend to stay closer to the coast and not move far inland unless they are near a body of water.

Diet

Like most shrews, S. sonomae is an insectivore.[3] The fog shrew's diet consists mainly of "centipedes and spiders", but has also been known to eat "slugs and snails."[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Cassola, F. (2017). "Sorex sonomae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T41418A22318770. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T41418A22318770.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "Fog Shrew - Sorex sonomae - Overview - Encyclopedia of Life". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2017-12-04.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jameson, E. W. (2004). Mammals of California. Peeters, Hans J., Jameson, E. W. (Everett Williams), 1921- (Rev. ed.). Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 9780520235823. OCLC 52942735.
  4. ↑ Hutterer, Rainer (December 2017). "Homology of unicuspids and tooth nomenclature in shrews". Special Publication of the International Society of Shrew Biologists. 1: 397–404.
  5. 1 2 "North American Mammals: Sorex sonomae : Species Information". naturalhistory.si.edu. Retrieved 2017-12-04.


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