A small dark mole with an unmistakable star of 22 pink fleshy tentacles around its snout. The star contains over 100,000 nerve fibers — making it the most sensitive touch organ known in any mammal.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The star-nosed mole is a small semiaquatic mole found in moist, low elevation areas in the northeastern parts of North America. It is the only extant member of the tribe Condylurini and genus Condylura. It has more than 25,000 minute sensory receptors in touch organs, known as Eimer's organs, with which this hamster-sized mole feels its way around. With the help of its Eimer's organs, it may be perfectly poised to detect seismic wave vibrations.
Source: Wikipedia — Star-nosed mole Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Distinctive mole with star-shaped nose; dark fur; short tail.
Similar species. Other mole species (no star nose).
Voice. Generally silent.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Earthworms, aquatic invertebrates, small fish.
Behavior. Among the most extraordinary mammals — the 22-tentacled nose is the most sensitive touch organ in the mammalian world. Can identify and eat prey faster than any other mammal (under 230 milliseconds).
§ Range
Eastern Canada and northeastern US, south to Georgia
§ Habitat
Wet meadows, marshes, swamps, wooded wetlands
§ Threats
Wetland drainage, vehicle strikes on rural roads, pesticide bioaccumulation.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the star-nosed mole is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support wetland protection. Don't fill swampy yard corners. Slow down on rural roads at dusk.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Star-nosed mole
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Condylura cristata
- IUCN Red List · taxon 4126
- iNaturalist · taxon 42953
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Condylura cristata
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- National Geographic
- IUCN Red List 2016
