Diplomesodon pulchellum
TAXONOMY
Diplomesodon pulchellum (Lichtenstein, 1823), eastern bank of Uraal River, Kazakhstan.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
None known.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Head and body length 3.5–5.0 in (9.0–12.5 cm); tail 3.5–4.5 in (8.9–11.0 cm). The piebald shrew has a striking color pattern; fur is grayish with an elongated patch of white fur at the nape of the neck. Underparts, feet and tail are white. All hairs are gray at the base. It has fringes of long, supple hair on the soles and toes of the forepaws and hind paw. These fringes increase the support surface of the paws of this sand-dwelling species and facilitate its movement on the sand. The ears are comparatively large.
DISTRIBUTION
Inhabits desert environments within Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and southern Kazakhstan (between Lake Balkhash and the Volga River).
HABITAT
Inhabits the sandy soil of semideserts.
BEHAVIOR
The piebald shrew is active throughout the year, primarily at night, but sometimes during the day. It is able to dig through sand quickly.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Primarily consumes lizards and insects. Observed killing lizards by biting the head in captivity. The shrew consumed all parts of the lizard, including the skull and skeleton, but left the feet and tail. When eating insects, only the chitin is not consumed.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Nothing is known, but probably monogamous when breeding.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.
