>

Animal Families & Genera

Treeshrews | Scandentia

Series of side elevation drawings of assorted Treeshrew species with a variety of body sizes

Treeshrews, or Scandentia, are small arboreal mammals endemic to South and Southeast Asia. They are mostly found in tropical forests and resemble rats except for their pointy snouts. They are omnivorous, though some are insectivorous. Besides, some don’t live in trees. They have large eyes, excellent hearing, good vision, long, soft tails, grayish to reddish-brown fur, and slender bodies. Arboreal species are smaller than terrestrial species. Females give birth to around three young ones after about 50 days. Some treeshrews live in small social groups defending territory from intruders, while others are solitary. Besides, many are diurnal.

Series of front view illustrations of various species of Treeshrews

What is the difference between a treeshrew and a squirrel?

First, you need to know that the treeshrew is not as arboreal as the squirrel. It has a long and pointed snout while the squirrel has a more rounded face and a bushier tail. Another feature that separates them is that the squirrel has two cream and black stripes on its sides.

What are treeshrews related to?

The closest living relatives of the treeshrew are primates. Although other studies show that they also have some relation to bats and even colugos. Despite being an insectivore and resembling squirrels, treeshrews are not real shrews. These primitive primates can be nocturnal and arboreal and prefer a solitary life.

Are treeshrews smart?

Treeshrew may be related to humans but are not as smart as humans, maybe a mouse. What they beat humans on is their ability to seek hot pepper and drink the nectar of the Bertram plant, which has a high concentration of alcohol. Hence, they have a tremendous tolerance for pungency.

Links

Wikipedia - Treeshrew

Related Collections

Related Tags

Browse through our curated Treeshrews Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Treeshrews. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.

2.6”-3.5” | 6.5-9 cm

—

1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm

—

—

6.3”-8.3” | 16-21 cm (Body)

—

—

3.5-6.7 oz | 100-190 g

—

2-12.5 years

—

Common Treeshrew

9.000

6.000

21.000

0.190

12.50

2300

2.75”-4.1” | 7-10.5 cm

—

2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm

—

—

4.3”-7.3” | 11-18.5 cm (Body)

—

—

3.9-5.3 oz | 110-150 g

—

2-12.5 years

—

Mountain Treeshrew

10.500

8.000

18.500

0.150

12.50

65

2.2”-2.6” | 5.5-6.5 cm

—

1.6”-1.8” | 4-4.5 cm

—

—

4.5”-5.3” | 11.5-13.5 cm (Body)

—

—

1.2-1.9 oz | 35-55 g

—

2-12.5 years

—

Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew

6.500

4.500

13.500

0.055

12.50

70

2.75”-4.3” | 7-11 cm

—

1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm

—

—

5.5”-8.3” | 14-21 cm (Body)

—

—

5.6-7 oz | 160-200 g

—

2-12.5 years

—

Northern Treeshrew

11.000

6.000

21.000

0.200

12.50

355

2.4”-2.75” | 6-7 cm

—

1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm

—

—

5.1”-5.5” | 13-14 cm (Body)

—

—

1.8-2.1 oz | 50-60 g

—

2-12.5 years

—

Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

7.000

5.000

14.000

0.060

12.50

90

2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm

—

2”-2.6” | 5-6.5 cm

—

—

5.9”-7.3” | 15-18.5 cm (Body)

—

—

3.9-5.3 oz | 110-150 g

—

2-12.5 years

—

Ruddy Treeshrew

9.000

6.500

18.500

0.150

12.50

70

Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew (Dendrogale murina)

Comparison illustration of the size of a Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew to other species of treeshrews

The Northern Smooth-tailed Treeshrew (Dendrogale murina) is an omnivore feeding mostly on fruits and also invertebrates. It is endemic to the tropical rainforests of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. As a smooth-tailed shrew, it is separated from similar shrews by its facial markings, which are light-colored, especially on the underside, while the dorsal surface is brown/black. The hair is short, the tail dark, and the shoulders lack strips. Besides, the claws are small. It is mostly arboreal and is active during the day. The body is slender, and the muzzle is pointed. Infants depend on the mother, as they are born blind and hairless.

The Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 4.5”-5.3” (11.5-13.5 cm) and total weight of 1.2-1.9 oz (35-55 g). The Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.2”-2.6” (5.5-6.5 cm), body width of 1.6”-1.8” (4-4.5 cm), and tail length of 4.1”-5.1” (10.5-13 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew in various poses with dimensions

The Northern Smooth-tailed Treeshrew (Dendrogale murina) is an omnivore feeding mostly on fruits and also invertebrates. It is endemic to the tropical rainforests of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. As a smooth-tailed shrew, it is separated from similar shrews by its facial markings.

The Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 4.5”-5.3” (11.5-13.5 cm) and total weight of 1.2-1.9 oz (35-55 g). The Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.2”-2.6” (5.5-6.5 cm), body width of 1.6”-1.8” (4-4.5 cm), and tail length of 4.1”-5.1” (10.5-13 cm). The typical lifespan of the Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew in various poses with dimensions

Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew (Dendrogale murina)

Height:

2.2”-2.6” | 5.5-6.5 cm

Width:

1.6”-1.8” | 4-4.5 cm

Length:

4.5”-5.3” | 11.5-13.5 cm (Body)

Depth:

Weight:

1.2-1.9 oz | 35-55 g

Area:

Tail Length: 4.1”-5.1” | 10.5-13 cm

Scientific Name

Dendrogale murina

Lifespan

2-12.5 years

Drawings include: 
Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew side view, front

Links

Wikipedia - Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership

Common Treeshrew (Tupaia glis)

Comparison drawing of the Common Treeshrew compared to other treeshrews

The Common Treeshrew (Tupaia glis) is very common and adaptable. It is mostly found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia in deciduous tropical forests. It is considered the largest among treeshrews and resembles a squirrel because of its bushy tail and pointed snout. However, it lacks whiskers which are visible in squirrels. Some common treeshrews are arboreal and others terrestrial, with the former having long tails, short snouts or less developed snouts, while the latter have short tails and long but well-developed snouts. Common treeshrews are monogamous, show unique parental care with two nests for young and parents, and produce a scent for communication or identification of other treeshrews. Besides, they are omnivorous.

The Common Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 6.3”-8.3” (16-21 cm) and total weight of 3.5-6.7 oz (100-190 g). The Common Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.6”-3.5” (6.5-9 cm), body width of 1.8”-2.4” (4.5-6 cm), and tail length of 4.7”-7.5” (12-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Common Treeshrew

The Common Treeshrew (Tupaia glis) is very common and adaptable. It is mostly found in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia in deciduous tropical forests. It is considered the largest among treeshrews and resembles a squirrel because of its bushy tail and pointed snout.

The Common Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 6.3”-8.3” (16-21 cm) and total weight of 3.5-6.7 oz (100-190 g). The Common Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.6”-3.5” (6.5-9 cm), body width of 1.8”-2.4” (4.5-6 cm), and tail length of 4.7”-7.5” (12-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Common Treeshrew

Common Treeshrew (Tupaia glis)

Height:

2.6”-3.5” | 6.5-9 cm

Width:

1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm

Length:

6.3”-8.3” | 16-21 cm (Body)

Depth:

Weight:

3.5-6.7 oz | 100-190 g

Area:

Tail Length: 4.7”-7.5” | 12-19 cm

Scientific Name

Tupaia glis

Lifespan

2-12.5 years

Drawings include: 
Common Treeshrew side view, front

Links

Wikipedia - Common Treeshrew

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership

Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana)

Scale illustration of an average Mountain Treeshrew compared to other treeshrew species

The Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana) is easily recognized by the dark grizzled rufous and a tail that is short and also reddish-brown. The tip of the tail is black, and the rear is dusky yellowish green. Another unique feature is a back with an indistinct black line. The face is long and muzzled while the body is slender. It is found in the mountain forests of Sabah, Borneo, and Sarawak. Other features the mountain treeshrew possesses are a long tail and a good sense of hearing, vision, and smell. It feeds on insects, plants, and small invertebrates.

The Mountain Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 4.3”-7.3” (11-18.5 cm) and total weight of 3.9-5.3 oz (110-150 g). The Mountain Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.75”-4.1” (7-10.5 cm), body width of 2”-3.1” (5-8 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-7.5” (13-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the Mountain Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Mountain Treeshrew

The Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana) is easily recognized by the dark grizzled rufous and a tail that is short and also reddish-brown. The tip of the tail is black, and the rear is dusky yellowish green. Another unique feature is a back with an indistinct black line. The face is long and muzzled.

The Mountain Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 4.3”-7.3” (11-18.5 cm) and total weight of 3.9-5.3 oz (110-150 g). The Mountain Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.75”-4.1” (7-10.5 cm), body width of 2”-3.1” (5-8 cm), and tail length of 5.1”-7.5” (13-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the Mountain Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Mountain Treeshrew

Mountain Treeshrew (Tupaia montana)

Height:

2.75”-4.1” | 7-10.5 cm

Width:

2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm

Length:

4.3”-7.3” | 11-18.5 cm (Body)

Depth:

Weight:

3.9-5.3 oz | 110-150 g

Area:

Tail Length: 5.1”-7.5” | 13-19 cm

Scientific Name

Tupaia montana

Lifespan

2-12.5 years

Drawings include:
 Mountain Treeshrew side view, front

Links

Wikipedia - Mountain Treeshrew

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership

Ruddy Treeshrew (Tupaia splendidula)

Comparison illustration of the size of a Ruddy Treeshrew to other species of treeshrews

The Ruddy Treeshrew (Tupaia splendidula) is endemic to Indonesia and is omnivorous. It prefers lower elevations but on trees with foliage. The most recognizable feature is the reddish-brown bushy tail, slender profile, and high alertness. This is because of their good sense of smell, vision, and hearing. The ruddy treeshrew is arboreal, diurnal, viviparous, and solitary. The face is pointed and the hind legs are longer than the forelimbs, enabling it to easily jump and climb trees. The upper part is dark brown or reddish-brown and the belly is white.

The Ruddy Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 5.9”-7.3” (15-18.5 cm) and total weight of 3.9-5.3 oz (110-150 g). The Ruddy Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.75”-3.5” (7-9 cm), body width of 2”-2.6” (5-6.5 cm), and tail length of 4.7”-5.9” (12-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ruddy Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Ruddy Treeshrew in various poses with dimensions

The Ruddy Treeshrew (Tupaia splendidula) is endemic to Indonesia and is omnivorous. It prefers lower elevations but on trees with foliage. The most recognizable feature is the reddish-brown bushy tail, slender profile, and high alertness. This is because of their good senses.

The Ruddy Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 5.9”-7.3” (15-18.5 cm) and total weight of 3.9-5.3 oz (110-150 g). The Ruddy Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.75”-3.5” (7-9 cm), body width of 2”-2.6” (5-6.5 cm), and tail length of 4.7”-5.9” (12-15 cm). The typical lifespan of the Ruddy Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Ruddy Treeshrew in various poses with dimensions

Ruddy Treeshrew (Tupaia splendidula)

Height:

2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm

Width:

2”-2.6” | 5-6.5 cm

Length:

5.9”-7.3” | 15-18.5 cm (Body)

Depth:

Weight:

3.9-5.3 oz | 110-150 g

Area:

Tail Length: 4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm

Scientific Name

Tupaia splendidula

Lifespan

2-12.5 years

Drawings include: 
Ruddy Treeshrew side view, front

Links

Wikipedia - Ruddy Treeshrew

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership

Pen-Tailed Treeshrew (Ptilocercus lowii)

Scale illustration of an average Pen-Tailed Treeshrew compared to other treeshrew species

A major discovery scientists have found about the Pen-tailed Treeshrew (Ptilocercus lowii) is that it can consume a lot of alcohol without getting drunk. This alcohol is found in the nectar of the bertam palm. You will mostly find this treeshrew in rubber farms, forest edges, and primary and secondary forests in Thailand, Malaysia, and nearby small islands. The belly is whitish or yellow, while the back is gray or light brown. But it is the “pen tail” plume-like hair on the end of the tail that makes it easily identifiable. This hair is black, fading to white. Alternatively, you can also identify it with the black eye mask. The pen-tailed treeshrew is nocturnal, social, and omnivorous.

The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 5.1”-5.5” (13-14 cm) and total weight of 1.8-2.1 oz (50-60 g). The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.4”-2.75” (6-7 cm), body width of 1.6”-2” (4-5 cm), and tail length of 6.3”-7.5” (16-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the Pen-Tailed Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

A major discovery scientists have found about the Pen-tailed Treeshrew (Ptilocercus lowii) is that it can consume a lot of alcohol without getting drunk. This alcohol is found in the nectar of the bertam palm. You will mostly find this treeshrew in Thailand, Malaysia, and nearby small islands.

The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew has a body length in the range of 5.1”-5.5” (13-14 cm) and total weight of 1.8-2.1 oz (50-60 g). The Pen-Tailed Treeshrew has a standing height of roughly 2.4”-2.75” (6-7 cm), body width of 1.6”-2” (4-5 cm), and tail length of 6.3”-7.5” (16-19 cm). The typical lifespan of the Pen-Tailed Treeshrew is between 2-12.5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

Pen-Tailed Treeshrew (Ptilocercus lowii)

Height:

2.4”-2.75” | 6-7 cm

Width:

1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm

Length:

5.1”-5.5” | 13-14 cm (Body)

Depth:

Weight:

1.8-2.1 oz | 50-60 g

Area:

Tail Length: 6.3”-7.5” | 16-19 cm

Scientific Name

Ptilocercus lowii

Lifespan

2-12.5 years

Drawings include: 
Pen-Tailed Treeshrew side view, front

Links

Wikipedia - Pen-Tailed Treeshrew

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

For 3D Downloads, upgrade to a Dimensions Pro Membership