Treeshrews | Scandentia

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.

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.

* Under Development *

Treeshrews Guides
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.
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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
GUIDE
3D
Common Treeshrew
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
GUIDE
3D
Mountain Treeshrew
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
GUIDE
3D
Northern Smooth-Tailed Treeshrew
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
GUIDE
3D
Northern Treeshrew
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
GUIDE
3D
Pen-Tailed Treeshrew
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
GUIDE
3D
Ruddy Treeshrew
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Details & Downloads

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