The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a small mole found in wet low areas of eastern Canada and the north-eastern United States, with records extending along the Atlantic coast as far as extreme southeastern Georgia.[3] It is the only member of the tribe Condylurini and the genus Condylura.Star-nosed moles are easily identified by the eleven pairs of pink fleshy appendages ringing their snout which are used as a touch organ with more than 25,000 minute sensory receptors, known as Eimer's organs, with which this hamster-sized mole feels its way around.
Ten Facts about Star-nosed Mole
- Star nosed moles are small animals and the average size of an adult is 15 to 20 centimeters in length and around 50 grams in weight.
- The name star nosed mole is derived from their unique snout, that have 22 tentacles, which are pink and fleshy in appearance.
- Star nosed moles are normally found in the wet lowland areas of eastern Canada and the northeast regions of the United States. Some of these animals have been sighted along the Atlantic coast and some parts of Georgia.
- These animals are most often seen near water sources like streams, lakes and ponds, where they search for food.
- Star nosed moles are good swimmers, as they propel themselves in water, by moving their feet and tail.
- The most preferred food for these animals are earthworms.
- These animals breed during the months of March and April and female star nosed moles breed once a year.
- The gestation period is 45 days and the number in a litter can range between two to seven.
- The young ones are weaned within 30 to 35 days and after that they will separate from the mother.
- It is believed that the average lifespan of a star nosed mole is around two to four years.
