Condylura cristata
Star-nosed Mole
(Condylura cristata) | |
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Range | |
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Taxonomic classification | |
Order: | Eulipotyphla |
Suborder: | Erinaceota |
Family: | Talpidae |
Subfamily: | Scalopinae |
Tribe: | Condylurini |
Genus: | Condylura |
Binomial details | |
Condylura cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) |
The Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) is the only semiaquatic mole in North America. It is also the only living member of the tribe Condylurini.
Description
The Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) has a cylindrical body, measuring approximately 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) in length, with a short tail spanning about 3 to 5 centimeters (1.2 to 2 inches). Its fur is thick, velvety, and usually dark brown or black, providing insulation and protection in its subterranean lifestyle. The fringe of pink nasal rays (sometimes referred to as tentacles) encircling the tip of the snout distinguish this species from any other mole (or mammal). The 22 fleshy rays are highly sensitive and contain thousands of touch receptors called Eimer's organs. These specialized sensory structures help the mole detect and interpret tactile information, providing it with exceptional foraging abilities.
External measurements
Length measurements are in millimeters (mm) and weight measurements are in grams (g), unless stated otherwise. If available, the sample size (n=) is provided. If a range is not provided and n= is not given, then the listed measurement represents an average.
Part of range | Reference | Total length | Tail length | Hindfoot length | Ear length | Mass |
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Canada | Naughton (2012) | 162–238 | 64–92 | 15–32 | 50–70 | |
Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland | Webster et al. (1985) | 158–185 | 57–66 | 25–28 | ||
Great Lakes Region | Kurta (2017) | 175–205 | 65–85 | 25–30 | 35–75 | |
Minnesota | Hazard (1982) | 182–199 | 70–82 | 25–29 | 47.1–60 | |
Virginia | Linzey (1998) | 160–210 | 60–90 | 30–75 |
Skull
From Petersen & Yates (1980): "skull with high narrow braincase; mastoids weak; rostrum long and narrow with distinct supero-median crest in adults: premaxillae much extended beyond nasals anteriorly; first upper incisors large, curved and directed anteriorly; second upper incisors minute, third large and caniniform; first lower incisors moderate in size, flat, and directed anteriorly; second and third lower incisors much smaller than first and directed anteriorly; upper canine short and slender; lower premolars small, laterally compressed, successively increasing in size posteriorly; upper molars W-shaped in transverse section, with an anterior, basal shelf having an indistinctly tricuspidate edge: lower molars M-shaped in transverse section, laterally compressed; interior shelf narrow, tricuspidate."
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Dorsal view of the skull of a Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata). -
Lateral view of the skull of a Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata). -
Ventral view of the skull of a Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata). -
Lateral view of the teeth of a Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata). Scale bar is 1 mm.
Similar species
Condylura cristata is not easily confused with other moles as it is the only member of the family Talpidae with a fringe of pink nasal rays encircling the tip of the snout. The skull of Condylura cristata is easily recognized by the tricuspidate edges of the upper molars.
References
Hazard EB. 1982. The mammals of Minnesota. Minneapolis (MN, USA): University of Minnesota Press.
Kurta A. 2017. Mammals of the Great Lakes region. Ann Arbor (MI, USA): University of Michigan Press.
Linnaeus C von. 1758. Systema Naturae. Regnum Animale. 10th Ed. Laurentius Salvius, Stockholm, Sweden, 1, 53.
Linzey DW. 1998. The mammals of Virginia. McDonald & Woodward Publishing.
Naughton D. 2012. The natural history of Canadian mammals. Toronto (ON, CA): University of Toronto Press.
Petersen KE, Yates TL. 1980. Condylura cristata. Mammalian Species (129): 1-4.
Webster WD, Parnell JF, Biggs WC. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland. Chapel Hill (NC, USA): University of North Carolina Press.