Mammals
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew
Sorex minutus · also called pygmy shrew
Weighing barely more than a coin, a Eurasian pygmy shrew launches an attack on an insect considerably larger than itself, betting on speed and aggression rather than size to bring down a meal it desperately needs to survive the day.
Overview
The Eurasian pygmy shrew, Sorex minutus, is one of the smallest mammal species native to grassland and forest habitat across most of Europe. Its diminutive size rivalling the lightest mammals on the continent, willingness to tackle prey larger than itself, and reliance on existing tunnels and vegetation rather than self-dug burrows make it one of the most physically extreme yet behaviourally bold small mammals found anywhere in Europe.
Small size, big attitude
Despite weighing only a few grams, the Eurasian pygmy shrew shows none of the caution its tiny size might suggest, readily attacking insects and other invertebrates considerably larger than itself in pursuit of the constant food supply its fast metabolism demands.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable grassland and forest habitat throughout Europe.
Eurasian Pygmy Shrew: common questions
How small is the Eurasian pygmy shrew?
This species is one of the smallest mammal species found anywhere in Europe, weighing only a few grams as a fully grown adult, making it lighter than many coins despite being a fully independent, active predator.
Does the Eurasian pygmy shrew only eat prey smaller than itself?
No, this species is bold enough to attack and kill insects and other invertebrates larger than its own body, relying on speed and aggression rather than size advantage to subdue prey that might seem disproportionately large for such a tiny predator.
Does the Eurasian pygmy shrew dig its own burrows?
Not typically, since this species rarely digs its own burrows, instead using existing tunnels, crevices, and dense surface vegetation to move around and find shelter, unlike some other small mammals that invest heavily in burrow construction.
How long does the Eurasian pygmy shrew live?
This species typically lives for around a year in the wild, a short lifespan consistent with the fast-paced metabolic demands common among small shrew species facing similarly intense energy requirements.