Sorex cristobalensis Jackson, 1925

Cristobal Shrew

Sorex saussurei cristobalensis Jackson, 1925: 129 . Type locality: “San Cristobal, altitude 8,400 feet, State of Chiapas, Mexico.” Sorex veraecrucis cristobalensis: Carraway, 2007: 62 .

Sorex salvini cristobalensis: Ramírez-Pulido et al. 2014: 48

Holotype. Number 75883, U. S. National Museum, Biological Survey Collection; adult female, skin and skull; taken September 19, 1895, by E. W. Nelson and E. A. Goldman, original number 8429. Measurements for the holotype are: Tot, 116; Tail, 46.5; HF, 13.5; CBL17.8; GLS, 18.4; LR, 7.43; PL, 7.88; LUT, 2.63; LMT, 4.73; CB, 8.43; widWM2, 4.93; LIB, 3.79; CD, 5.33; LM, 7.32; HC, 3.55. The type specimen has the U3 is subequal in size to the 4th.

Distribution. Known from three localities in Chiapas, México, (Carraway 2007; Hall 1981).

Diagnosis. Sorex cristobalensis is a member of the Sorex salvini species group. It is the largest of the species group south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (Table 1). The color of the pelage is a dull Clove Brown above, slightly paler ventrally, tail slightly bicolor. Specimens from near El Triunfo, Chiapas, have a more reddish brown dorsum. Usually, U3 is taller than U4.

Description. Sorex cristobalensis averages larger in most skull measurements compared to S. salvini (Table 1). The S. cristobalensis has a relatively wider and longer rostrum than S. salvini . Compared to the new species from Honduras, S. cristobalensis has a greater maxillary toothrow length. Sorex cristobalensis has a much longer rostrum than S. stizodon . It is smaller in all measurements than S. sclateri .

Ecology. Sorex cristobalensis is high elevation species. Carraway (2007) reviewed the ecology. Reproductive information is lacking.

Specimens examined (5). México Chiapas: El Triunfo, 10 km SSE Finca Prusia, ca. 1900 m (LACM 74152– 74154) ; 9 mi S.E., 10 mi N.E. Tonalá (on tag); modified by Carraway (2007:62) to “ 9 mi SE Tonalá (to vicinity of Finca Ocuilapa), then approximately 10 mi (by trail) NE of that point (LACM 18709)”, not shown on map, Figure 1 ; San Cristóbal, 8400 ft (USNM 75883) .