Mole (animal) - Definition and Overview

Moles
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Insectivora Family: Talpidae
Genera
Uropsilus Desmana Galemys Talpa Mogera Parascaptor Scaptochirus Scaptonyx Scapanulus Urotrichus Neurotrichus Scalopus Parascalops Scapanus Condylura

For other meanings, see Mole (disambiguation).

Moles are members of family (Talpidae) of mammals in the order Insectivora that live under ground, burrowing holes. They feed on small invertebrate animals living under ground.

The family is divided into three subfamilies:

• Desmaninae (desmans)
• Talpinae (moles)
• Uropsilinae (Shrew moles)

Other similar animals are found in family Chrysochloridae, the golden moles, also in order Insectivora, and family Notoryctidae, the marsupial moles, which are not related to true moles.

There are also similar-looking but herbivorous rodents called mole-rats that enjoy a similar life-style and are commonly called "moles", although, unlike mole-rats, no species of true mole is known to be eusocial. A group of moles is called a labour.

Moles eat worms. They maintain a fresh supply of worms in underground chambers. The mole imobilises the worms by biting their heads off.

Many types of earth-burrowing machines take their names from moles.