About Sorex minutus Linnaeus, 1766
This species measures approximately 5 cm (2.0 in) in body length, not counting its 3.5 cm (1.4 in) tail, and has an average weight of 4 g (0.14 oz). The dense, shiny fur on its back is blackish, with color shades ranging from reddish to purplish. The belly, throat, jaw, area around the eyes, and lower portion of the tail are distinctly contrasting whitish. The muzzle and legs are covered in sparse white hair; the muzzle also has vibrissae, and the underlying skin is flesh-colored. The ears are small, semicircular, dark flesh-colored, and half hidden by the animal's fur. Compared to other shrews, this species has a head that is larger relative to its body. It can be confused with the Eurasian least shrew and the Etruscan shrew.
