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