(Condylura cristata)
Conservation • Description • Habitat • Biology • Distribution • Taxonomy
Conservation Status |
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IUCN Red List | LC - Least Concern |
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NatureServe | N5 - Secure SNR - Unranked |
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Minnesota | not listed |
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Description |
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Star-nosed mole is a relatively common but seldom seen New World mole. It occurs in North America from Newfoundland to Pennsylvania, west to Ontario and Minnesota, and south along the Appalachian Mountains to North Carolina. It is less common in Minnesota, where it is at the western extent of its range. The fur (pelage) is coarse, thick, and dark brown or black with no silvery sheen. The tail is hairy, 3″ to 3½″ long, and constricted near the body. The front feet are as long as broad. The palms face outward. The eyes are small, about the size of a pinhead, but apparent, not covered by skin. There are no external ears. The nose is pink and is surrounded by 22 pink, fleshy, finger-like projections, giving it a star-like appearance. |
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Size |
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Total length: 6⅞″ to 8″ Head and body: 4½″ to 5″ Tail: 3″ to 3½″ |
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Sign |
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Similar Species |
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Eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is larger but has a shorter tail and so is about the same total length. The pelage is lighter and has a silvery sheen. The nose is long, naked, and pointed, and has no finger-like appendages. | ||
Habitat |
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Meadows, floodplains, swamps, marshes, and peatlands. Moist soil. Usually near a water body. |
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Biology |
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Behavior |
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They are active day and night. |
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Lifespan |
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3 to 4 years |
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Life Cycle |
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The female has one litter of 3 to 7 young between April and June. The offspring are independent after 3 weeks. They mature in 10 months. |
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Food |
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Small invertebrates, earthworms, aquatic insects, mollusks, and small amphibians. |
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Distribution |
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Sources |
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6/23/2022 | ||||
Occurrence |
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Relatively common |
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Taxonomy |
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Class | Mammalia (mammals) | ||
Subclass | Theria | ||
Infraclass | Eutheria (placental mammals) | ||
Magnorder | Boreoeutheria | ||
Superorder | Laurasiatheria (ungulates, carnivorans, and allies) | ||
Order | Eulipotyphla (shrews, moles, hedgehogs, and allies) | ||
Family |
Talpidae (moles and desmans) | ||
Subfamily |
Scalopinae (New World moles) | ||
Tribe | Condylurini | ||
Genus |
Condylura (star-nosed moles) | ||
Subordinate Taxa |
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northern star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata cristata) southeastern star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata parva) |
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Synonyms |
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Common Names |
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star-nosed mole starnose mole |
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Glossary
Pelage
The coat of a mammal, consisting of fur, wool, or hair, and including a soft undercoat and stiff guard hairs.
Visitor Photos |
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Gerry G |
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Dog brought to the door Feb 23 2021 |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos |
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Slideshows |
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Visitor Videos |
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Share your video of this mammal. |
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This button not working for you? Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com. Attach a video, a YouTube link, or a cloud storage link. |
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Other Videos |
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Mammals of the World: Star-nosed Mole cre8ivmind |
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About
Uploaded on Dec 2, 2010 The Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) is the 83rd species in my Mammals of the World series. |
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Is This the World's Weirdest-Looking Killer? | World's Deadliest Nat Geo WILD |
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About
Published on Mar 25, 2013 Looking like a cross between a rat and an octopus, the star-nosed mole is a good candidate for the title of world's weirdest-looking creature. Its super-senses also make it a lethal hunter. About World's Deadliest: Get More Nat Geo Wild: About Nat Geo Wild: Is This the World's Weirdest-Looking Killer? | World's Deadliest Nat Geo Wild |
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Starnose Mole (Talpidae: Condylura cristata) Dead on Footpath Carl Barrentine |
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About
Uploaded on Jul 28, 2010 "Darkness within darkness--the gateway to all understanding." --Tao Te Ching Photographed at the Rydell NWR, Minnesota (28 July 2010). |
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Visitor Sightings |
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Report a sighting of this mammal. |
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This button not working for you? Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com. Be sure to include a location. |
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M Reigstad |
Location: Ham Lake My dog found it in my garden. Worried that it may carry disease. |
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Field Notes 6/15/2021 |
Location: Carver Park, Carver County Found on path near a stream. No signs of injury. Perhaps an off-leash dog? |
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Gerry G 2/23/2021 |
Location: Douglas County, MN Dog brought to the door Feb 23 2021 |
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Lisa Wiersma 1/22/2020 |
Location: Erskine, MN (Polk County) These are common in my backyard. I usually see them at least once a year over the last 10 years. |
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MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings |
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Created 1/23/2017
Last Updated: