The red-toothed shrews of the subfamily Soricinae are one of three living subfamilies of
shrews, along with
Crocidurinae (white-toothed shrews) and
Myosoricinae (African white-toothed shrews). In addition, the family contains the extinct subfamilies
Limnoecinae,
Crocidosoricinae,
Allosoricinae and
Heterosoricinae. These species are typically found in
North America, northern
South America,
Europe and northern
Asia. The
enamel of the tips of their teeth is reddish due to
iron pigment. The iron deposits serve to harden the enamel and are concentrated in those parts of the teeth most subject to wear.[2] Members of the genera Chimarrogale, Nectogale, Neomys (
Nectogalini) and some members of Sorex (Soricini) are known as water shrews, due to having a semi-aquatic lifestyle.