Nectogalini

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nectogalini[1]
Neomys anomalus.jpg
Southern water shrew (Neomys anomalus)
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Soricidae
Subfamily: Soricinae
Tribe: Nectogalini
Andersson, 1879
Genera

6 extant, 1 extinct see article.

Nectogalini is a tribe of Old World water shrews within the family Soricidae. As of late 2007, it consisted of six extant genera and 25 species, with some of the latter being further divided into subspecies.

Adaptation to semiaquatic life[]

Members of this tribe that are associated with a semiaquatic mode of life have developed several lifestyle adaptations. For example, some species in the genera Chimarrogale, Nectogale, Neomys, and Sorex have stiff hairs on the sides of their toes and feet, both on their fore and hind limbs. These increase the surface area of the feet, assisting in locomotion during swimming. In addition, species such as Neomys fodiens have developed elongated tails with the hairs forming a keel-like shape that is similar in function to a rudder when the animal is in the water.[2]

Genera[]

Chimarrogale (6 species)
Chodsigoa (10 species)
Episoriculus (4 species)
Nectogale (monotypic)
Neomys (3 species)
Soriculus (monotypic)
†Asoriculus (3 species)

References[]

  1. ^ Anderson, J. 1879. Anatomical and zoological researches in western Yunnan. Quaritch, London, 984 pp.
  2. ^ Churchfield, Sara, 1990. The Natural History of Shrews. C. Helm/A & C Black, 178 pp.
Stub icon

This article about a red-toothed shrew is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .

  • v
  • t
Retrieved from ""