STARNOSED MOLE Meaning and
Definition
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The star-nosed mole is a small, semiaquatic mammal belonging to the mole family, Talpidae. Its scientific name is Condylura cristata. This unique creature is most recognizable for its distinctive star-shaped nose, which consists of 22 fleshy, pink appendages called tentacles. The nose is a highly specialized organ packed with thousands of tiny sensory receptors called Eimer's organs that allow the mole to navigate and forage in darkness and underwater.
Measuring around 15 centimeters long, the starnosed mole has a velvety, dark brown to black fur that covers its stocky body. It has strong, paddle-like forelimbs with sharp claws, ideal for burrowing, digging tunnels, and searching for food. Native to the eastern regions of North America, including Canada and the United States, this species thrives in wet, marshy environments near water bodies like lakes, streams, and bogs.
Star-nosed moles primarily feed on invertebrates such as insects, worms, snails, and small crustaceans. Their sensitive tentacles allow them to locate and capture prey in the blink of an eye. These moles are excellent swimmers, using their paddle-shaped limbs and paddle-like tail to propel themselves gracefully through water.
While primarily solitary creatures, they occasionally come together for mating purposes during the breeding season. After a gestation period of approximately one month, the female gives birth to a litter of 2 to 7 young, which she raises within the complex burrow system she constructs underground.
With its remarkable adaptations, the star-nosed mole is considered a fascinating and important creature in the animal kingdom, contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat and playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Common Misspellings for STARNOSED MOLE
- atarnosed mole
- ztarnosed mole
- xtarnosed mole
- dtarnosed mole
- etarnosed mole
- wtarnosed mole
- srarnosed mole
- sfarnosed mole
- sgarnosed mole
- syarnosed mole
- s6arnosed mole
- s5arnosed mole
- stzrnosed mole
- stsrnosed mole
- stwrnosed mole
- stqrnosed mole
- staenosed mole
- stadnosed mole
- stafnosed mole
- statnosed mole
Etymology of STARNOSED MOLE
The word "starnosed mole" is a compound term, consisting of two elements: "star" and "nosed".
The term "star" is derived from the Old English word "steorra", which referred to the celestial body known as a star. It eventually came to denote a shape resembling a star. In the case of the starnosed mole, "star" is used to describe the unique appearance of its nose.
The word "nosed" is derived from the Old English word "næse", which means "nose". It is a straightforward term used to describe the mole's prominent and distinctive nasal appendage.
Therefore, the etymology of "starnosed mole" can be understood as a combination of "star", referring to the nose's star-shaped appearance, and "nosed", referring to the mole's nose.
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