Moles are burrowing mammals in the family Talpidae, order Soricomorpha. Adapted to underground life, they are equipped with powerful forelimbs for digging and have highly sensitive noses. Distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, moles come in various shapes and sizes. In this article, we present 10 notable species of moles, from the star-nosed mole of the US to the Pyrenean desman of Europe.
1. Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata)
Found in the northeastern U.S., it measures 15–20 cm and weighs around 56 g. Known for its 22 fleshy, pink tentacles on its nose—extremely sensitive to touch. Dense grayish fur and large claws aid in digging.
2. Hairy-tailed Mole (Parascalops breweri)
Native to northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. Medium-sized (15 cm long), with a 3 cm hairy tail. Features include a pointed snout, dark-gray fur, and spade-like front paws adapted for soil excavation.
3. Eastern Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)
Found throughout Mexico, the U.S., and parts of Canada. Gray-brown body with silvery-gray underside, 16 cm long including a 3 cm tail. It has 36 teeth, nearly invisible eyes, and no external ears.
4. Broad-footed Mole (Scapanus latimanus)
Restricted to California, Nevada, and Oregon. Digs deep tunnels and removes excess soil via lateral shafts. Fur is velvet-like, short, and ranges from dark brown to silvery-gray.
5. Long-tailed Mole (Scaptonyx fusicaudus)
Inhabits montane forests of China, Myanmar, and Vietnam at elevations of 2,000–4,100 meters. Fully subterranean, prefers moist, loose soils. Tunnels are narrow and shallow.
6. European Mole (Talpa europaea)
Distributed from Western Europe to Siberia. Cylindrical body (10–15 cm), 3 cm tail, pointed nose, small eyes, and no visible ears. Common in forests, meadows, gardens, and low to alpine altitudes.
7. Iberian Mole (Talpa occidentalis)
Endemic to central and western Spain. Smaller than the European mole, with fur-covered eyes and a more elongated skull. Found in irrigated lands, organic-rich soils, and poplar or elm forests.
8. Japanese Shrew Mole (Dymecodon pilirostris)
Endemic to Japan, this tiny mole resembles a shrew. About 6.5 cm long, covered in dark brown, metallic-greenish fur. Lives in grasslands, shrubs, and forest floors.
9. American Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)
Smallest North American mole, inhabiting the Pacific Northwest. Found in moist, soft-soiled environments—often near streams, meadows, and forest edges.
10. Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
Found in the northern Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Has mole-like front legs and rat-like hind legs adapted for swimming. It digs burrows and forages both underground and in streams.
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