However, the species may be most easily distinguished from other small-eared shrews living in the same area by its upper canine teeth, which are unusually small, and are missing on one or both sides of the mouth in about 25% of individuals.

Females have four teats, located on the inguinal region, while males have small, indistinct, scent glands on the flanks.

[3] Merida small-eared shrews are found only in mountainous regions of the Venezuelan states of Trujillo, Mérida, and Táchira.

The Merida small-eared shrews feed primarily on invertebrates, such as earthworms, insects, spiders, centipedes and snails.

[3] Although restricted to a relatively small geographic area, Merida small-eared shrews are common within their habitat, with population densities of up to 4.5 per hectare (1.8/acre) having been reported.