| No other mammal in the world looks like the star-nosed mole, which has 22 fingerlike appendages surrounding its nostrils. It has recently been discovered that these very sensitive tactile organs are used for object manipulation, and perhaps even for detection of electrical signals emitted by prey in the water. Star-nosed moles are able swimmers, and often forage in water for small fish and aquatic invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
Sexual Dimorphism:
None
Length:
Range:
132-230 mm
Weight:
Range:
40-85 g
References:
Linnaeus, C., 1758. Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classis, ordines, genera, species cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tenth Edition, Vol. 1, p. 53. Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm, 824 pp.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
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View of mole swimming in an aquarium.
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(95kb)
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