This shrew alternates bouts of activity with rest (2) throughout both the day and night (3), but activity peaks at dusk and dawn (3). It feeds on a variety of invertebrates (2), and occasionally takes lizards and small rodents despite its small size (4). They nest under logs and stones or in burrows (2). This species has a greater reproductive output than any of the British red-toothed shrews, producing 4-5 litters a year, each comprising of 2-10 young (5). The young exhibit 'caravanning' behaviour (2); if the nest is disturbed, the female leads the young to a new nest site and the young follow her in a line, each one grasping the tail of the shrew in front by the tail (4). This species is much less aggressive than the red-toothed shrews. Females may even allow her mate to remain in the nest with the offspring, and will leave him with the young as she goes to forage. The male often crouches over the young to shelter them during the female's absence (4).