Star-nosed Mole

Condylura cristata

Least Concern

Location

Eastern North America

Size

15-20 cm (6-8 inches)

Diet

Insectivore

Habitat

Wetlands, marshes, and underground tunnels

About This Animal

The star-nosed mole has one of the most bizarre facial features in the animal kingdom - a fleshy star of 22 tentacle-like appendages around its nose. This alien-looking organ is actually the most sensitive touch organ of any mammal, with over 100,000 nerve fibers.

Amazing Facts

Has the most sensitive touch organ of any mammal

Can identify and eat prey in 120 milliseconds

Star contains over 100,000 nerve fibers (6 times more than a human hand)

Can smell underwater by blowing and re-inhaling air bubbles

Eats faster than the human eye can follow