kids encyclopedia robot

Golden mole facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Golden moles
Temporal range: Lutetian–Recent
Scientific classification e
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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Crisoclóridos para niños

kids search engine
Golden mole Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.