How are white-toothed shrews different from other shrews?

White-toothed shrews, belonging to the genus Crocidura and the subfamily Crocidurinae, are primarily distinguished from other shrews by the color of their teeth. While many shrews possess red-tipped teeth, white-toothed shrews have teeth that are entirely white.1234

Beyond this dental characteristic, they differ from other groups in the following ways:

• Classification: They are members of the subfamily Crocidurinae, whereas many other common shrews, such as those in the genus Sorex, belong to the subfamily Soricinae.35
• Behavioral Adaptations: While most shrews are terrestrial, some tropical white-toothed shrews are agile climbers that forage in bushes, vines, and small trees, a trait supported by their long feet and toes.26
• Diversity: The genus Crocidura is exceptionally diverse, containing more species than any other genus of mammals.2

In contrast, other shrew groups exhibit different specializations, such as the burrowing adaptations seen in short-tailed shrews (Blarina) or the amphibious lifestyles of water shrews.6