Ectoparasites and food habits of Elliot's short-tailed shrew, Blarina hylophaga

摘要

The natural history of Elliot's short-tailed shrew (Blarina hylophaga) has remained virtually unknown since it was recognized as a distinct species in 1981. For this study, we examined 26 specimens of B. hylophaga for ectoparasites. We found 5 species of fleas, I species of tick, and 17 species of mites. We also examined stomach contents of 30 specimens of B. hylophaga and discovered that insects (particularly beetles), slugs, and spiders were the most common food items. To determine the degree of similarity between B. hylophaga and the 2 other widely distributed short-tailed shrews, we compared these data to the published ectoparasite and food habits data for B. carolinensis and B. brevicauda. We found that both the ectoparasitic fauna and the diet of B. hylophaga broadly overlap those of its congeners. We also noted, however, that each species of Blarina had parasites that were more closely associated with it than with the other 2 species of Blarina. In addition, the diet of B. hylophaga consists of harder-bodied foods, containing more beetles, fewer earthworms, and less fungi than that of the other 2 species.