Star-Nosed Mole - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Discover the amazing creature with a nose that acts like an eye!
What is a Star-Nosed Mole?
The star-nosed mole is a small mammal famous for its incredible nose that looks like a star! This amazing animal lives in wetlands and has one of the most sensitive touch organs in the animal kingdom.
Its nose has 22 fleshy tentacles arranged in a star shape. These tentacles are covered with more than 25,000 tiny sensory receptors called Eimer's organs, making its nose more sensitive than human fingertips!
Star-nosed moles are about the size of a hamster - usually 15-20 cm long (including their tail) and weighing about 50 grams. They have thick, water-repellent fur and large, clawed feet perfect for digging.
Did You Know?
The star-nosed mole's nose works like an eye - it "sees" the world through touch!
Habitat and Adaptations
Star-nosed moles live in wetlands, marshes, and moist areas of eastern North America and Canada. They're excellent diggers and create complex tunnel systems with both underwater and underground passages.
These moles have amazing adaptations for their watery world:
Waterproof Fur
Thick fur that repels water keeps them dry while swimming
Powerful Diggers
Large front claws help them dig tunnels quickly
Underwater Smell
They blow bubbles and re-inhale them to smell underwater
Star Nose
Their nose detects prey in complete darkness
Swimming Skills
They paddle with their feet and use their tail as a rudder
Star-nosed moles spend about half their time in water and half underground. Their tunnels often have underwater entrances, and they can hold their breath for about 10 seconds while swimming.
Adaptation Superstar!
The star-nosed mole can identify and eat food in less than 0.2 seconds - faster than any other mammal!
Hunting and Diet
Star-nosed moles are incredible hunters and the fastest eaters in the animal kingdom! They mainly eat:
• Small insects
• Worms
• Aquatic invertebrates
• Small fish
• Crustaceans
Their hunting process is amazing to watch:
Touch Detection
Uses tentacles to touch and identify prey
Lightning Speed
Can identify and eat prey in 0.2 seconds
Underwater Hunting
Swims while searching for food
The star-nosed mole's nose works like a high-speed scanner. It touches up to 12 different objects per second! When it finds something edible, it moves the food to its mouth so quickly that the movement is almost invisible to the human eye.
Star-Nosed Mole Quiz
Test your knowledge about the amazing star-nosed mole with this quiz!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about star-nosed moles:
Fun Star-Nosed Mole Trivia
Discover amazing facts about these fascinating creatures:
World's Fastest Eater
The star-nosed mole holds the record as the fastest-eating mammal. It can identify and consume food in as little as 120 milliseconds - faster than the human eye can blink!
Super Sensitive Nose
The star-nosed mole's tentacles contain over 100,000 nerve fibers packed into an area smaller than a human fingertip. This makes it six times more sensitive than the human hand!
Underwater Explorer
Star-nosed moles are excellent swimmers. They paddle with their front feet and use their tail as a rudder. They often dig tunnels with underwater entrances to hunt aquatic prey.
Winter Survivor
Unlike many mammals, star-nosed moles remain active all winter. They tunnel beneath the snow and ice, hunting in the unfrozen water beneath frozen ponds and streams.
