By Lindsay Rogers
Although small and mouse-looking, the least shrew (Cryptotis parva)
is more closely related to hedgehogs than mice. Least shrews are
found across the eastern United States from eastern Mexico to
New York. In Nebraska, they are found in all areas except the
Panhandle. Like all shrews, least shrews are insectivores; they
feed primarily on insect larvae and centipedes, but will also eat
spiders and snails. They have huge dietary needs often eating
60-100 percent of their body weight in food daily. Shrews are
often considered an economic benefit as they
consume large amounts of potentially
harmful insects. ■
A Mammal Brief
i
Least Shrew
NGPC
PHOTO
LIBRARY
Lindsay Rogers is
an outdoor education
specialist with the
Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission.
6 NEBRASKAland • JULY 2015
