Home › Mammalia › Talpidae › Common Mole (Talpa europaea)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Mole (Talpa europaea)
Talpa
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe & W Asia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Grassland, woodland, gardens
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Eulipotyphla
FAMILY
Talpidae
GENUS
Talpa
📋 Description
SIZE
12-16 cm body, 70-130 g
COLORATION
Black velvety fur
ADAPTATIONS
Powerful forelimbs, no eyes
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Grassland, woodland, gardens
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe & W Asia
REPRODUCTION
3-5 young
DIET DETAILS
Earthworms, insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pesticides, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Common moles create extensive tunnel systems that can stretch for hundreds of metres. They are almost completely blind but have an incredible sense of touch.
2
They eat their own body weight in earthworms every day and are the most common mole in Europe.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
New Forest UK
Lake District UK
Peak District UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Look for fresh molehills in fields/gardens.
