STARNOSE MOLE Meaning and
Definition
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The Starnose Mole is a small underground-dwelling mammal that belongs to the family Talpidae and the genus Condylura. It is known for its distinctive star-shaped pink fleshy protrusion located on the end of its snout, which gives it its name. This unique appendage is called a "starnose" and is used for sensory purposes.
The Starnose Mole has a cylindrical body, covered in dense, velvety, dark brown fur. It measures approximately 15 cm in length and weighs around 55 grams. It has short, stout limbs and large, paddle-like hands that help it in digging complex tunnel systems.
These moles are primarily found in the wetlands of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. They inhabit a variety of swampy habitats, including marshes, bogs, and wet meadows, where they construct an extensive network of burrows for shelter and foraging.
Starnose Moles are insectivores, feeding mainly on invertebrates, such as earthworms, insects, and small aquatic creatures. The star-shaped appendage on their snout is highly sensitive and packed with specialized touch receptors, allowing them to detect prey through vibrations in the soil and water. They use their strong front limbs and sharp claws to rapidly dig through moist ground, locating and capturing prey with great speed and accuracy.
These extraordinary creatures are well-adapted to their semi-aquatic lifestyle, possessing dense fur that traps air and provides insulation, enabling them to survive in the cold and often waterlogged environments they inhabit. Despite their subterranean nature, they are exceptional swimmers and can navigate through water with ease using their paddle-like hands and strong tail. The Starnose Mole
Common Misspellings for STARNOSE MOLE
- atarnose mole
- ztarnose mole
- xtarnose mole
- dtarnose mole
- etarnose mole
- wtarnose mole
- srarnose mole
- sfarnose mole
- sgarnose mole
- syarnose mole
- s6arnose mole
- s5arnose mole
- stzrnose mole
- stsrnose mole
- stwrnose mole
- stqrnose mole
- staenose mole
- stadnose mole
- stafnose mole
Etymology of STARNOSE MOLE
The word "Starnose Mole" is a combination of two parts: "Star" and "nose".
The name "Starnose" refers to the unique star-shaped appendage on the mole's snout. The scientific name of the Starnose Mole is Condylura cristata, with "Condylura" derived from the Greek words "kondylos" meaning "knob" or "tuber" and "oura" meaning "tail". This name alludes to the mole's distinctive knob-like tail.
The term "Mole" comes from Middle English "moldwarp" or "moldewarep", which are believed to have been influenced by Old English "mold" meaning "earth" and "wearp" meaning "throw" or "toss". This name reflects the mole's habit of burrowing and tossing up soil.
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