Order INSECTIVORA 



Mammals of small size, primitive dental characters, in- 

 sectivorous diet, and presenting many specializations in the 

 various families of the Order. Only two families of the 

 Insectivora are found in North America, the Talpidee and the 

 Soricidas, widely differing from one another in many respects, 

 but having the following characters in common: snout long 

 and mobile; eyes small or hidden; ears minute; head elongate; 

 feet with five claw-bearing toes ; plantigrade or subplantigrade 

 in gait; clavicles present; musk glands pfesent; manner active 

 and nervous. 



Family Talpidae. Moles' 



Insectivorous mammals of small size, adapted for a sub- 

 terranean habitat, with highly specialized forelimbs; soft, 

 velvet-like fur; long, pig-like snout; minute eyes; very short 

 neck; and strictly insectivorous or carnivorous diet. 



Subfamily Scalopinae 



Genus Scalopus 



Functional dentition: Incisors, f ; Canines, J; Premolars, f ; 

 Molars, 1 = 36. 



Common Mole. — Scalopus aquaticus 



and related forms 



Names. — Common Mole; Eastern Mole. Plate III. 



General Description. — A small, sturdy mammial with 

 greatly enlarged forefeet; soft, velvety fur; naked tail; eyes 

 and ears so minute as to escape superficial observation; seldom 

 seen above ground, and generally known to be present only 

 through the raised ridges and mounds of earth pushed up 

 from below. Males somewhat larger than females. 



Color. — Sexes indistinguishable as to color. 



' For the most recent and complete review of the American Moles, 

 see H. H. T. Jackson, Norlh American Fauna, No. 38, IQIS- 



