MAMMAI/S OF MARYLAND 



as 



Figure 10. — Distribution of Cryptotis parva parva. 



N of Solomons, Calvert County, this shrew was taken in traps as often 

 as the short-tailed shrew and the house mouse. 



This small shrew generally follows the runways of larger mice and 

 shrews, but it also constructs runways of its own. In soft ground it 

 sometimes uses its snout to push dirt away, and by worming its way 

 along may make a tunnel. These small burrows are not much different 

 from those made by certain large beetles or other insects and are diffi- 

 cult to identify. The nest of this species is usually placed in a slight 

 hollow on the surface of the ground, or under a rock or log. Rarely 

 is it located beneath the ground and then only at a depth of 4 or 5 

 inches or less. Sometimes it will utilize artificial objects such as tin 

 cans in which to nest. The structure of the nest is globular, and com- 

 posed of dry grass and leaves. 



The breeding season for this species is from March to November, and 

 young, born early in the spring, usually breed within the year. The 

 gestation period is about 16 days, and between four and five broods 

 may be produced during a season. The number of young per litter 

 varies from three to nine, with the usual number being four to six. 



The food of this species, like that of other shrews, consists primarily 

 of insects and other animal matter. It is known to eat beetles, bugs, 

 grasshoppers, earthworms, millipedes, and snails. It is also said to be 

 fond of salamanders, frogs, and broods of young honeybees. 



