shrew mole
Noun: 1. A small, insectivorous mammal belonging to the family Talpidae, characterized by a slender body, a long, pointed snout resembling that of a shrew, and a long tail. It is a type of mole adapted for life both above and below ground.
The term "shrew mole" is used to refer specifically to moles of the genus Uropsilus (Asian shrew moles) or sometimes to the American shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii). It distinguishes these species from typical, more robust moles by their shrew-like appearance. - The biologist discovered a rare shrew mole in the forest, noting its distinctive long snout. - Unlike the common European mole, the shrew mole spends more time foraging on the surface.
- In zoological and taxonomic contexts, "shrew mole" precisely categorizes species that represent an evolutionary link or morphological intermediate between shrews and true moles.
- The shrew mole's skeletal structure provides key evidence for understanding talpid evolution.
- Shrew-mole: A common hyphenated variant of the compound noun.
- Mole (n.): A broader term for burrowing mammals in the family Talpidae.
- Shrew (n.): A small, insectivorous mammal with a pointed snout, belonging to a different family (Soricidae).
- Long-tailed mole (a descriptive synonym for some species).
- American shrew mole (specific to ).
The term "shrew mole" does not have other distinct meanings outside of its specific zoological reference. It is not used idiomatically.
- slender mole having a long snout and tail