Brazilian shrew mouse Temporal range: Pleistocene – Recent
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Rodentia |
Family: | Cricetidae |
Subfamily: | Sigmodontinae |
Tribe: | Akodontini |
Genus: | Blarinomys Thomas, 1896 |
Species: | B. breviceps
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Binomial name | |
Blarinomys breviceps (Winge, 1888)
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The Brazilian shrew mouse (Blarinomys breviceps),[2] also known as the blarinine akodont,[3] is a rodent in the tribe Akodontini from the Atlantic Forest of eastern and southeastern Brazil.[1] It is the only species in the genus Blarinomys.[3] Phylogenetic analysis suggest that there are two clear geographical clades, a northeastern and southeastern. [4]
The appearance of the Brazilian shrew mouse is often compared to that of small insectivorous shrews or moles with small, reduced eyes, short ears and tail, and short, soft fur.[5] Its mole-like appearance contributes to its ability to be differentiated from other rodents in its Neotropical habitat.[6] Overall, its specialized body structure lends itself to the animal's subterranean life, with broad forefeet and large claws for digging.[7] It has a long snout that is used to find insects in the ground and highly developed jaw muscles that help to close the mouth quickly, as to avoid swallowing dirt.[5] The species has demonstrated sexual dimorphism in that females are usually slightly larger than males.[6]
The average lifespan of the Brazilian shrew mouse is unknown, as they are difficult to find. Captive specimens tend to refuse food and die shortly after capture.[6] It is generally assumed that the species' lifespan is similar to other Sigmodontinae rodents, which is typically less than one year.[8][page needed]
Very little is known about the diet of B. breviceps, however it is assumed to be primarily insectivorous. When studied in captivity, many specimens refuse food and die within a few days. However, some captive organisms have been shown to eat a variety of insects including crickets, moths and butterflies, and roaches. Overall, they tend to refuse other food sources such as fruits or seeds.[6]
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Endangered Species, the Brazilian shrew mouse is considered of least concern.[1] However, some experts suggest that since the species is so difficult to find, data is insufficient to confidently label their conservation status.[9]