desman

plural desmans

1. Either of two species, Desmana moschata or Galemys pyrenaicus, of aquatic or semiaquatic insectivore of the mole family, Talpidae, found in Europe.

   Unlike the Russian desman, the Pyrenean species lives along fast-flowing mountain streams.

   1995, R. David Stone, editor, Eurasian Insectivores and Tree Shrews: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan, page 50

   2 more examples

   Restricted to the Old World, desmans have a diet consisting of aquatic invertebrates and fish.

   2007, George A. Feldhamer, Lee C. Drickamer, Stephen H. Vessey, Joseph F. Merritt, Carey Krajewski, Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, Ecology, 3rd edition, page 250

   With the aid of its Eimer's organs, the desman was able to detect engraved lines only one-fifteenth of a millimeter (0.067 mm, or 0.002 inches) in depth and width. There are two extant species of desmans: the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), weighing about 65 g (2.3 oz) (fig 2.10), and the larger Russian desman (Desmana moschata), weighing 500 g (17.6 oz).

   2010, Joseph F. Merritt, The Biology of Small Mammals, page 38