Head to head
Giant Mexican Shrew vs Least Shrew
The giant Mexican shrew and least shrew hold opposite size records among New World shrews, offering a clear look at just how much variation exists within a single mammal family.
| Giant Mexican Shrew | Least Shrew | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Megasorex gigas | Cryptotis parva |
| Size record | Largest shrew in the New World | Smallest shrew in North America |
| Native range | Pacific coast of Mexico only | Eastern and central North America |
| Social behaviour | Not well documented, likely solitary | Occasionally huddles in groups |
| Taxonomic status | Sole member of its genus | One of several Cryptotis species |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Population trend | Stable | Stable |
| Habitat | Forest, mountains | Grassland, forest |
Giant Mexican Shrew vs Least Shrew: common questions
Which is bigger, the giant Mexican shrew or the least shrew?
The giant Mexican shrew is considerably bigger, holding the record as the largest shrew species found anywhere in the Americas, while the least shrew instead holds the opposite record as the smallest shrew species found in North America.
Do both of these shrews have a similarly wide range?
No, the giant Mexican shrew has a restricted range confined largely to the Pacific coast of Mexico, while the least shrew occupies a much wider range spanning eastern and central North America, extending into parts of Central America.
Is the least shrew more social than the giant Mexican shrew?
The least shrew is documented as unusually social for a shrew, occasionally huddling together with others for warmth, while social behaviour in the giant Mexican shrew is not well documented, likely reflecting the more solitary habits typical of most shrew species.