What do amphibious moles eat?

Amphibious moles, known as desmans, are specialized members of the mole family that forage for prey underwater. Their diets vary slightly by species:

• Russian desman: This species uses its mobile, proboscis-like snout to probe the bottoms of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers for insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and amphibians.1
• Pyrenean desman: Inhabiting swift mountain streams, this species feeds primarily on aquatic insect larvae and nymphs, crustaceans, and occasionally fish.1

These animals are distinct from typical burrowing moles, as they have evolved to hunt aquatic prey rather than digging through soil for food.1