Sorex minutus; the Pygmy Shrew
The pygmy shrew was believed for a long time to be simply the young of common shrews (Sorex araneus) as they are approximately half the size for the most part; this belief persisted well into the 19th century. They are the smallest mammal in the UK with the possible exceptions of the pipistrelles (Pipistrellus spp.) and eat at least their own body weight every day which is a necessity if they are to survive.
They are solitary and poor at burrowing, opting instead to use existing burrows of other species such as woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus). They are most commonly found in grassland or deciduous woodland habitats but also well managed hedgerows; their diet is comprised of a range of invertebrates but unlike the common shrew they do not eat earthworms.
They are solitary and poor at burrowing, opting instead to use existing burrows of other species such as woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus). They are most commonly found in grassland or deciduous woodland habitats but also well managed hedgerows; their diet is comprised of a range of invertebrates but unlike the common shrew they do not eat earthworms.