| Merriam's Shrew is noted for its predilection for dry habitats. It is most often found in sagebrush steppe, but also in grassland, brushland, and woodland, at elevations from 200 m to 2,900 m. It preys on beetles, spiders, caterpillars, crickets, and wasps, and probably on many other terrestrial invertebrates. This shrew has a grayish-brown back, paler flanks, and a nearly white underside. The tail shows the same strong bicoloration. Owls are known to prey on shrews, but some mammals eat them only if they have no other food available, because of their pungent smell.
Sexual Dimorphism:
None
Length:
Average:
96.3 mm
Range:
99-107 mm
Weight:
Average:
5.9 g
Range:
4-7 g
References:
Dobson, G.E., 1890. Monograph of the Insectivora, systematic and anatomical, vol. 3. British Museum (Natural History), London. Part 3, fasc. 1, pl. 23, fig. 6.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
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