Species Account
By Holly Harrington
Condylura cristata: Star-nosed Mole
Description:
Condylura cristata is one of North America’s unique Insectivores. It weighs 1.2-2.6
ounces and has a length of 6.9-8.1 inches. But the very defining feature of this mammal
is the 22 fleshy tentacles on its nose-which is how it got its name “star-nosed”.
The star-nosed mole has dense, dark brown fur that aid in its movement through soil.
Their eyes are concealed and external ears are absent. The tail is long and hairy and
during winter months acts as a fat storage. Forefeet are broad and palms face outward-an
adaptation for digging.
Kurta (1995) and Linzey (2003).
Distribution:
Compared with other moles, the star-nosed mole has the farthest northern range in North
America. Found from eastern Canada-up to James Bay- and the United States from
Minnesota to the east coast, down to Georgia. In Wisconsin, the star-nosed mole is only
absent in the south-west corner of the state.
*insert map*
map Copyright 1999 The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals edited by Don E. Wilson and
Sue Ruff. All rights reserved.
Canadian Museum of Nature (2003) and Kurta (1995).
Ontogeny and Reproduction:
Star-nosed moles produce one litter of 2-7 offspring per year. Sexual maturity is reached
by 10 months. Copulation occurs in early spring, and young are usually born during
April or May. Gestation is about 45 days. The offspring will remain with the mother for
about three weeks.
Kurta (1995), Linzey (2003), and Sorin (2002).
Ecology and Behavior:
Star-nosed moles live in damp and swampy environments. Able to move easily through
soil, on land, and are adapt swimmers. Diet consists of worms, insects, and fish. Starnosed moles construct tunnel systems in the soil, some even open up underwater.
The moles are active during the day and night throughout the year. Nests are constructed
of leaves, grasses and other vegetation. Predators of the star-nosed mole include skunks,
owls, and snakes. The longevity of Condylura cristata is currently unknown.
Catania (1999), Kurta (1995), and National Wildlife Federation (2003).
Remarks:
Star-nosed moles are known for their unique tentacles or “star”. The star doesn’t play any
role with the olfactory system. Instead it is full of nerve fibers that carry information to
the central nervous system and eventually to the necortex. Most scientists believe these
sensitive tentacles aid the mole in finding food items and explore its environment.
Research shows that the star is able to touch 10 objects in a second.
It is believed that ancestors of the star-nosed mole had sensory organs laying against the
sides of the snout. Slowly over time these organs raised to form the present day star nose.
Scientists have looked at Scapanus orarius (the coast mole) and Scapanus townsendii
(Townsend’s mole) for evolutionary references. Both the former mentioned moles
express short sensory organs laying flat against their noses-which bear significant
resemblance to that of the star.
Catania (2002), and Milas (1999).
References:
Canadian Museum of Nature. 2003. Condylura cristata.
http://www.nature.ca/notebooks/english/mon2.htm (visited 9 September 2003).
Catina, K.C. 2002. The nose takes a starring role. Scientific American. Vol. 287 Issue 1.
Kurta, A. 1995. Mammals of the Great Lakes region. University of Michigan Press:
Anne Arbor. Pg. 56-59.
Linzey, D. and C. Brecht. 2003. Star-nosed mole. University of Michigan Museum of
Zoology. http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/Vertebrata/Mammalia/Talpidae/Condylura/cristata
(visited: 9 September 2003).
Milius, S. 1999. Snouts: a star is born in a very odd way. Science News. Vol. 156 Issue
17. pg.261-262.
National Wildlife Federation. Star-nosed mole-Condylura cristata .
http://www.enature.com/fieldguide/showSpeciesGS.asp?sort=1&curGroupID=99&display=1&area=99&se
archText=mole&curPageNum=2&recnum=MA0049 (visited: 9 September 2003).
Rankin, B. 1997. Star of the swamp. National Wildlife. Vol. 35 Issue 1.
Sorin, A.B. 2002. Star-nosed mole. University of Michigan: Animal Diversity Web.
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/condylura/c._cristata$narrative.html
(Visited: 2 December 2003).
Map:
The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals, edited by Don E. Wilson and Sue
Ruff. Copyright 1999. All rights reserved.
http://www.dlia.org/atbi/species/animals/vertebrates/mammals/talpidae/Condylura_cristata.html
(Visited: 2 December 2003).
.