PHStar-nosed moles have 22 tiny feelers on their face.
Despite the common name of the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), the 22 fleshy appendages at the end of its snout act more like an eye than a nose. These unique tentacles, or rays, are covered with more than 25,000 Eimer’s organs that hold over 100,000 nerve fibers (more than five times the number in the human hand) and are the most sensitive touch organs of any known mammal.
Given the mole’s poorly developed eyesight, the rays are far more useful for finding prey.
They are constantly moving and touching to identify what’s good to eat and what isn’t. Sensitive whiskers on the head and front feet also act as “feelers,” whether looking for food or navigating their way through dark underground tunnels.
Despite the common name of the star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), the 22 fleshy appendages at the end of its snout act more like an eye than a nose. These unique tentacles, or rays, are covered with more than 25,000 Eimer’s organs that hold over 100,000 nerve fibers (more than five times the number in the human hand) and are the most sensitive touch organs of any known mammal.
Given the mole’s poorly developed eyesight, the rays are far more useful for finding prey.
They are constantly moving and touching to identify what’s good to eat and what isn’t. Sensitive whiskers on the head and front feet also act as “feelers,” whether looking for food or navigating their way through dark underground tunnels.