Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora) Soricidae: Shrews Talpidae: Moles

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)

Soricidae: Shrews mouse-like pointed nose 8 PA species

Short-tailed Shrew Blarina brevicauda large size (for a shrew) short tail dark gray abundant and widespread venomous subnivean in winter

Northern Water Shrew Sorex palustris albibarbis State 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”

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

Least Shrew Cryptotis parva Critically Imperiled, (S1B, G5)

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

Talpidae Eastern Mole Scalopus aquaticus not aquatic short, naked tail

Talpidae Star-nosed Mole Condylura cristata unique 22 tentacle appendages around nostrils Eimer organs can sense electrical fields semiaquatic 44 teeth, 2nd highest of PA mammals

Talpidae Hairy-tailed Mole Parascalops breweri small size short, hairy tail

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