kiellotilla

Kiellotilla is a small, monotypic genus of nocturnal mammals endemic to the Kiellot Archipelago in the northern temperate zone. The genus is presently represented by the species Kiellotilla littoralis, which is listed in some regional field guides as the littoral kiellotilla. It is assigned to the family Kiellotillidae in several classifications within fictional biogeographical syntheses.

Kiellotilla littoralis is a compact, agile mammal with a slender body, a pointed snout, and a dense, coarse fur that ranges from olive to gray-b brown. Adults weigh approximately 120 to 170 grams, with a tail length similar to or slightly shorter than the body. Forelimbs are strong and equipped with curved claws suited for digging and leaf-litter manipulation, while the hind limbs are proportionally shorter, aiding in quick, low-slung movement through undergrowth.

The species inhabits moist, evergreen forests and mixed shrublands on several Kiellot archipelago islands. It favors leaf litter, fallen logs, and mossy crevices for shelter. Its distribution is fragmented by habitat patchiness, though moderate forest cover across the archipelago supports viable populations. Local threats include habitat degradation from logging and invasive predators in some areas.

Kiellotilla littoralis is primarily insectivorous, supplemented by small fruit and seeds. It is generally solitary outside the breeding season. Breeding appears to occur once a year, with litters of two to three young, which remain in the nest for several weeks before emerging.

The genus Kiellotilla was first described by zoologist L. M. Kestrel in 1989, and the name combines the Kiello Islands with the diminutive suffix -illa.