BRITISH MAMMALS 
Genus Neomys. 
THE WATER SHREW. 
Neomys fodiens, Pallas. 
Plate 9. 
This beautiful species is the largest of our Shrews, measuring in length 
of head and body from about 3 to 3^ inches, with a tail measurement 
of about 2 inches. 
The colour of the upper parts is usually a deep black with a slaty gloss, 
while the under parts are normally white, though sometimes darker, with a 
rusty tinge. The orifice of the ear is " feathered " with white hairs, and 
also the under surface of the tail. A darker form of this species often 
occurs with the whole body above and below more or less dusky, which 
was at one time considered distinct, and described and figured by Bell as 
the Oared Shrew [Sorex remifer). 
Like the other British species, the Water Shrew has its teeth tipped 
with rust colour. 
The form of this animal is well adapted to its aquatic habits, the toes 
as well as the tail being fringed with hairs which are of use when swim- 
ming and diving. Compared with its allies the snout of the Water Shrew 
is thicker and more powerful. 
The Water Shrew has a vdde range in Europe, from as far north as 
Russia to Spain and Italy, while eastwards in Asia it reaches the Altai 
Mountains. In Great Britain it is well distributed over England, Wales, 
and the mainland of Scotland, but unknown in Ireland. 
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