short-tailed shrew
Noun: A small, insectivorous mammal of the genus Blarina, native to North America. It is characterized by having a tail that is significantly shorter than half the length of its head and body. These shrews are known for their pointed snouts, tiny eyes, and venomous saliva.
The term "short-tailed shrew" is used specifically to refer to this distinct type of shrew. It is a compound noun that functions as a single unit to name the animal. * The short-tailed shrew is one of the few venomous mammals. * We found a short-tailed shrew in the leaf litter.
- The name is often used in ecological and biological contexts to discuss the role of this predator in forest floor ecosystems.
- In taxonomic references, the scientific name (for the northern short-tailed shrew) is commonly used alongside the common name.
- Shrew (n): The general term for small, active mammals of the family Soricidae, to which the short-tailed shrew belongs.
- Blarina (n): The genus name for short-tailed shrews.
- American short-tailed shrew
- Blarina shrew (used primarily in scientific contexts)
This term refers exclusively to the specific animals within the genus Blarina. It should not be confused with other shrew species that may also have relatively short tails but belong to different genera. The defining characteristic is the proportionally very short tail.
- North American shrew with tail less than half its body length