Bangsring

Bangsring (Tupaidæ), a family of arboreal insectivorous mammals, sometimes known as squirrel or tree shrews. There are two genera—Tupaia, with numerous species, of which the larger are 8 or 9 inches long; and Ptilocerus, with a single species, the Bornean pintail. They are all oriental animals, and range from the Khasia Hills in India, to Java and Borneo. The fur is soft and glistening, and a long bushy tail is generally present. They are restlessly active during the day, searching for insects and fruits. Two of the largest species are the Tana (T. tana), with a feathery tail, in one variety of a bright golden colour; and the Ferruginous Bangsring (T. ferruginea), widely distributed in the Malayan region. The soles of the feet in the latter are plaited like those of geckos, and give the animals a sure grip of a branch. See INSECTIVORA.