Star-Nosed Mole

Condylura cristata

Star-Nosed Mole. Photo:Mont St-Hilaire Nature Center

The star-nosed mole is perhaps the strangest member of the insectivores, and has been placed into a separate subfamily due its bizarre anatomical features. There are two geographical races which are found in Canada. The typical form is commonly found along the east coast, while the second race has only been found in Nova Scotia. The star-nosed mole is an average-sized mole with some strange physical characteristics. It has 11 fleshy tentacles on each side of its snout which are used as sensory device. These tentacles are what give this creature its name. Its forelimbs, although large, are smaller than other moles. Its tail is long, robust and scaly. Being the most aquatic of the American moles, the star-nosed mole feeds largely on aquatic invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans.

Distribution of Star-Nosed Mole in Canada