MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION IN THE INSECTIVORES OF NORTH CAROLINA

ABSTRACT.--Ten species of shrews and three species of moles inhabit North Carolina. Geographic variation has been examined in several of these species, but these studies generally included few specimens from North Carolina. Using univariate and multivariate statistics programs, I analyzed geographic variation in these species using specimens from North Carolina and found that a revision of some of the current taxonomies and distributions is needed, specifically in the least shrew (Cryptotis parva), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), and eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus). Statistical data supported the hypothesis that an undescribed subspecies of the least shrew occurs on the Outer Banks. Analysis suggested that the distribution of a subspecies of the southeastern shrew (S. l. fisheri) should extend to include all of the Coastal Plain. Regarding the eastern mole, preliminary evidence suggested that specimens in North Carolina should be assigned to the subspecies S. a. howelli.