Condylura cristata — Overview

star-nosed mole learn more about names for this taxon

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IUCN threat status:

Least Concern (LC)

Brief Summary

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No other mammal in the world looks like the star-nosed mole, which has 22 fingerlike appendages surrounding its nostrils. It has recently been discovered that these very sensitive tactile organs are used for object manipulation, and perhaps even for detection of electrical signals emitted by prey in the water. Star-nosed moles are able swimmers, and often forage in water for small fish and aquatic invertebrates, including insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.

Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account

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Supplier: Smithsonian's North American Mammals

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