Golden mole facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Golden moles Temporal range: Lutetian–Recent PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Chrysochloridea Broom, 1915
Family:	Chrysochloridae Gray, 1825
Genera
Eremitalpa Roberts, 1924 Chrysospalax Gill, 1883 Chrysochloris Lacépède, 1799 Cryptochloris Shortridge & Carter, 1938 Carpitalpa Lundholm, 1955 Chlorotalpa Roberts, 1924 Calcochloris Mivart, 1867 †max index is 100 for str sub long Pickford, 2019 Amblysomus Pomel, 1848 Neamblysomus Roberts, 1924

Golden moles are small, insectivorous burrowing mammals native to southern Africa. They form the family Chrysochloridae. They are taxonomically distinct from the true moles. They look alike because of convergent evolution.

The golden moles bear a remarkable resemblance to the marsupial moles of Australia. They live almost exclusively underground, beneath grassland, forest, swamps, deserts, or mountainous terrain. Like several other burrowing mammals with similar habits, they have short legs with powerful digging claws, very dense fur that repels dirt and moisture, and tough skin, particularly on the head. Their eyes do not work, and covered with skin and fur. The ears are just tiny openings and, like the marsupial moles, they have an enlarged leather-like pad to protect their nostrils. Their main sense is that of touch, and they are particularly sensitive to vibrations that may indicate approaching danger.

Images for kids

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  Chrysochloris asiatica Cape golden mole adult, showing the digging claw, absence of external eye and a hint of the iridescence of the fur. The rhinarium is not obvious in this photograph.