SHREW MOLE 



Species of the Genus Condylura. 



Star-nosed Mole. — Condylura cristata (Linnceus). Plate III. 



As described, no other forms of the genus known. 

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The Star-nosed Mole is the most distinctive in appearance 

 of the American Moles, the peculiar, fleshy nasal fringe serv- 

 ing to identify the animal immediately. 



Although this Mole makes subterranean burrows very 

 similar to those of the Eastern Mole, they are more irregular 

 in their course and are more crooked. The surface ridges 

 appear and disappear more often and the tunnels may open 

 out to the surface and continue as runways through the grass 

 or under the leaves. In winter the Star-nosed IVIole may 

 burrow in the snow or run about on top of it. 



This Mole shows a preference for damp meadows or 

 marshes, but may be found in the same spots with the Eastern 

 Mole, even in the same series of tunnels. The life-history of 

 the Star-nosed Mole is very imperfectly known. 



Subfamily Uropsilinae 

 Genus Neiirotrichus 



Dentition: Incisors, f ; Canines, \; Premolars, f ; Molars, f =36, 



Shrew Mole. — Neiirotrichus gibbsii 



and related forms 



Names. — Shrew Mole; Gibbs Mole. 



General Description. — Smallest of the American Moles; 

 body robust; tail about half as long as head and body, fairly 

 thick, constricted at base, distinctly annulated, sparsely 



Fig. II. Head and forefoot of Shrew Mole 

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