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Where does the star-nosed mole search for food?
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The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is a semiaquatic mammal that searches for food in three distinct environments: it excavates deep tunnels underground, forages along pathways on the surface, and hunts in water, where it is an expert swimmer and diver.12
While it possesses the anatomical specializations of typical moles, it is unique for its muzzle, which is tipped with 22 constantly moving fleshy tentacles. These tentacles are extremely sensitive to touch, ground vibrations, and the electricity generated by the bodies of its prey, allowing the mole to detect and capture food effectively across these different habitats.2