Star-nosed mole: Difference between revisions
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== Diet and behaviors == | == Diet and behaviors == | ||
Star-nosed moles are primarily vermivorous, meaning that they feed on [[organisms]] such as [[annelids]] and [[nematodes]]. They also eat [[insects]], mollusks, and small fish. They are excellent swimmers and forage for food on the bottom of freshwater bodies of water. They also forage in [[soil]] by creating shallow tunnels beneath the surface. Moles can be viewed as pests because their burrowing behavior can damage lawns and gardens. However, moles play an important role in eliminating any potential harmful insects and aerating the soil, creating a more productive environment. | Star-nosed moles are primarily vermivorous, meaning that they feed on [[organisms]] such as [[annelids]] and [[nematodes]]. They also eat [[insects]], larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They are excellent swimmers and forage for food on the bottom of freshwater bodies of water. They also forage in [[soil]] by creating shallow tunnels beneath the surface. Moles can be viewed as pests because their burrowing behavior can damage lawns and gardens. However, moles play an important role in eliminating any potential harmful insects and aerating the soil, creating a more productive environment. | ||
== Life cycle and reproduction == | == Life cycle and reproduction == | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 16:25, 22 April 2023
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Animalia | Chordata | Mammalia | Eulipotyphia | Talpidae | Condylura | C. cristata |
Anatomy
Habitat and range
Star-nosed moles live in moist lowland habitats in the eastern half of North America. They can be found in multiple different biomes, including forests, marshes, shrubland, and mountains. They are semi-aquatic mammals and prefer wet environments but have been found in drier habitats as well.
Diet and behaviors
Star-nosed moles are primarily vermivorous, meaning that they feed on organisms such as annelids and nematodes. They also eat insects, larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They are excellent swimmers and forage for food on the bottom of freshwater bodies of water. They also forage in soil by creating shallow tunnels beneath the surface. Moles can be viewed as pests because their burrowing behavior can damage lawns and gardens. However, moles play an important role in eliminating any potential harmful insects and aerating the soil, creating a more productive environment.