Asian house shrew
A species of Dwarf shrews, Also known as Grey musk shrew, Indian musk shrew Scientific name : Suncus murinus Genus : Dwarf shrews
Asian house shrew, A species of Dwarf shrews
Also known as:
Grey musk shrew, Indian musk shrew
Scientific name: Suncus murinus
Genus: Dwarf shrews
Content
Description General Info
Description
The house shrew has a uniform, short, dense fur of mid-grey to brownish-grey color. The tail is thick at the base and a bit narrower at the tip, and is covered with a few long, bristle-like hairs that are thinly scattered. They have short legs with five clawed toes. They have small external ears and an elongated snout. They also emit a strong odor of musk, derived from musk glands that are sometimes visible on each side of the body. The odor is especially noticeable during the breeding season. Like all shrews, the Asian house shrew is plantigrade and long-nosed. The teeth are a series of sharp points to poke holes in insect exoskeletons. It is the largest of the shrew species, weighing between 50 and 100 g and being about 15 cm long from snout to tip of the tail.
General Info
Lifespan
2-4 years
Diet
Asian house shrew is an insectivorous species, relying primarily on insects for sustenance. Its diet extends to spiders, centipedes and terrestrial crustaceans. Occasionally, asian house shrew can consume seeds and fruits, rounding out an opportunistic diet.
Appearance
Asian house shrew is a small mammal, with a slender body shape, and soft fur. Its coat is primarily greyish-brown, with a lighter underbelly. It sports a long, pointed snout, distinguishing it from similar species. It also possesses a tail that is almost as long as its body. Crucially, there are no significant variations in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Asian house shrew is a nocturnal, omnivorous creature, seen mainly foraging for food during the night. It is primarily solitary but occasionally spotted in small groups. Asian house shrew possesses a unique self-anointing behavior using bodily secretions. It is a highly territorial species, a trait evident in aggressive disputes and vocalizations. Being a non-hibernating mammal adapted to various habitats, it displays great mobility.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Soricomorpha Family
Shrews Genus
Dwarf shrews Species
Asian house shrew