American Recent Eulipotyphla: Nesophontids, Solenodons, Moles, and Shrews in the New World

Abstract

The mammalian taxonomic order Eulipotyphla is comprised of the living taxonomic families Erinaceidae (gymnures, hedgehogs, and moonrats), Solenodontidae (solenodonts), Soricidae (shrews), and Talpidae (desmans and moles). Morphological and molecular studies continue to alter our view of relationships within and among these families, and this research has added considerably to our understanding of the diversity, distributions, and relationships of many of the New World species that belong to them. Currently, there are more than 450 recognized living species worldwide, making the Eulipotyphla the third most speciose order of mammals. New World (North and South America and associated islands) eulipotyphlans currently include 110 recognized species of shrews, seven species of moles, and both living species of solenodons. In this work, I attempt to summarize the taxonomic results of recent studies and provide a guide to the most appropriate current applications of taxonomic names in this region.