Kingdom Animalia Order Eulipotyphla Subfamily Soricinae Higher classification Red-toothed shrew | Phylum Chordata Family Soricidae Scientific name Nectogalini Rank Tribe | |
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Lifespan Eurasian water shrew: 3 years Mass Eurasian water shrew: 15 – 19 g Gestation period Eurasian water shrew: 24 days Lower classifications Neomys, Eurasian water shrew, Balearic shrew, Sardinian shrew, Soriculus nigrescens | ||
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.
Contents
Adaptation to semi-aquatic life
Members of this tribe that are associated with a semi-aquatic 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 an elongated tails with the hairs forming a keel-like shape that acts similar to a rudder when the animal is in the water.
Genera
Chimarrogale (6 species)
Chodsigoa (8 species)
Episoriculus (4 species)
Nectogale (monotypic)
Neomys (3 species)
Soriculus (monotypic)
†Asoriculus (3 species)