Etruscan Shrew

tiny mammal · record holder · shrews

Weighs like a paperclip. The Etruscan shrew is the smallest mammal in the world, weighing only about 1.8 grams on average. That's roughly the same as a single paperclip.

Many different names. This little creature goes by four different names: the Etruscan shrew, Etruscan pygmy shrew, white-toothed pygmy shrew, and Savi's pygmy shrew. Scientists use these names to talk about the same tiny animal.

Champion of smallness. No other living mammal is lighter than the Etruscan shrew. Even though there are other small shrews and bats, none can beat this one for being the absolute tiniest by weight.