About Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758
The common shrew, with the scientific name Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758, is also called the Eurasian shrew. It is the most common shrew, and one of the most common mammals, throughout Northern Europe, including Great Britain but excluding Ireland. It measures 55 to 82 millimetres (2.2 to 3.2 in) in length and weighs 5 to 12 grams (0.2 to 0.4 oz). It has velvety dark brown fur with a pale underside, and it is one of the rare venomous mammals. Juvenile shrews have lighter fur until their first moult. The common shrew has small eyes, a pointed, mobile snout, and red-tipped teeth. It has an approximate lifespan of 14 months. Common shrews are active both day and night, taking short rest periods between relatively long bursts of activity.
