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Condylura cristata

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Star-nosed Mole
(Condylura cristata)
Range
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
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."

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.

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