About Scapanus latimanus (Bachman, 1842)
The broad-footed mole, Scapanus latimanus, can be distinguished from other species in the Scapanus genus by several key traits. Its fur is dark brown to silvery, short, soft, plush-like in texture, and uniformly colored, and it has 40 to 44 unevenly spaced unicuspid teeth. Adult bodies are short and cylindrical, with a long, pointed snout. The forefeet are greatly expanded, with flattened palms and long, heavy claws. The tail is sparsely covered with coarse hair. On average, total body length ranges from 5.5 to 7.1 inches, or 14 to 18 centimeters, and males are slightly larger than females. Individuals from populations in more humid environments tend to be larger than those from drier, southern areas. The dental formula of Scapanus latimanus is 3.1.4.3 / 3.1.4.3 × 2 = 44. Its karyotype has 2n = 34, FN = 64. Like most moles, this species requires moist, friable soil. It feeds on earthworms, insects, other invertebrates, and some plant matter. Scapanus latimanus is a fossorial mammal that spends most of its life underground. Only one individual occupies a burrow at a time, and vacated burrows are often reoccupied within two days. Tunnels are typically dug far below the surface. Excess earth from digging is removed through shafts that run both laterally and vertically up to the surface. Earth pushed out through these shafts forms distinct volcano-shaped mounds, with older earth located toward the outer base and newer earth toward the core. Shallow surface tunnels are sometimes dug, which create a ridge in the soil at the surface. It is unknown how often these shallow tunnels are used, as they are utilized irregularly.
