Blarina carolinensis
southern short-tailed shrew

Blarina carolinensis inhabits the southeastern corner of the United States (Wilson and Ruff 1999). Populations can be found as far north as southern Illinois and south-central Virginia, and as far south as central Florida (Whitaker and Hamilton 1998).

This species of shrew is most commonly found in moist, well-drained habitats containing woody vegetation (Wilson and Ruff 1999). The well-drained soil allows Blarina carolinensis to burrow underground and construct nests.

The nest (located either underground or beneath decomposing logs or stumps) is composed of shredded grass, roots, dry leaves, and other vegetable material (Wilson and Ruff 1999).

Blarina carolinensis is the smallest species in the genus. Total length ranges from 75 to 105 millimeters. The tail length ranges from 17 to 30 millimeters. The range in weight is 15 to 30 grams (Nowak 1999). The dorsal pelage is slate colored while the ventral pelage is a paler shade of grey. They have small eyes, a long, highly moveable nose, and small ears (Wilson and Ruff 1999).

Species of Blarina exhibit little geographic overlap, so are usually distinguished from one another by where they occur. Blarina species differ in their number of chromosomes as well. Blarina carolinensis has 36-46 chromosomes, while Blarina brevicauda, found in northeastern North America, has 48 to 50 chromosomes, and Blarina hylophaga, found in the central United States, has 52 chromosomes (Wilson and Ruff 1999).

George et. al (1986) recorded the lifespan of most wild individuals to be no longer than a year. Individuals in captivity have been recorded as living up to 33 months.

Southern short-tailed shrews are primarily nocturnal. They spend much of their time in burrows and tunnels underground or in leaf litter. They are solitary and maybe territorial. There is some evidence that they are more active immediately after periods of rainfall.

Southern short-tailed shrews are primarily carnivorous, though some vegetable matter may be taken (Nowak 1999). Their diet is composed mainly of soil invertebrates. They feed throughout the day but are most active at night and in the early morning and early evening hours (Nowak 1999). Earthworms, centipedes, and berries are examples of this shrew's diet (Davis and Schmidly 1997).

Blarina carolinensis has a diverse group of predators. The most common are hawks and owls, especially barn owls (Tyto alba). Coyote, red fox, and large snakes are also known to prey on southern short-tailed shrews (Wilson and Ruff 1999).

Southern short-tailed shrews are probably one of the most numerous mammalian members of their communities. They represent an important prey base for their predators and influence the composition of invertebrate communities through their own predation.

Southern short-tailed shrews, like their northern cousins, Blarina brevicauda, may have toxins in their saliva (see Comments below). Bites may result in a painful burning sensation that can last some time.

Southern short-tailed shrews are helpful to humans by controlling insect populations (Whitaker Jr and Hamilton Jr 1998).

Southern short-tailed shrews are abundant in suitable habitats throughout their range.

Blarina carolinensis may produce poison in the submaxillary glands, as does its close relative Blarina brevicauda (Davis and Schmidly 1997). This venom is secreted into the saliva and can be injected into prey through a bite wound. However, B. carolinensis does not seem to prey on vertebrates whereas B. brevicauda does frequently, making it less likely to require the use of venom to subdue prey. The test for venom presence in B. carolinensis has not yet been performed.