1. Soricomorpha (formerly Insectivora) Soricidae: Shrews Talpidae: Moles

2. 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)

3. Soricidae: Shrews
mouse-like
pointed nose
8 PA species

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

5. 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”

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

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

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

9. Talpidae Eastern Mole Scalopus aquaticus
not aquatic
short, naked tail

10. 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

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

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