The blind mole [1] [2] , or the small mole [1] ( lat. Talpa caeca ) is a species of the mole family. The smallest mole of the fauna of Russia : its body length is only 8-12 cm, the body weight of most adults is less than 30 g. The tail is 2-3 cm long. The eyes are rudimentary, hidden under a thin translucent skin. The color of the fur is from dark brown to black.
| Blind mole |
Small mole (head) |
| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
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| International scientific name |
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Talpa caeca Savi , 1822 |
| Subspecies |
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- T. c. augustana Capolongo and Panasci, 1978
- T. c. caeca savi, 1822
- T. c. hercegovinensis Bolkay, 1925
- T. c. steini Grulich, 1971
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| Area |
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| Security status |
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Least ConcernedIUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 41479 |
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Blind mole is widespread throughout the Caucasus isthmus from the Ciscaucasia to Transcaucasia ; The range enters Turkey and probably Northern Iran (along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea ). It lives in various mountain zones up to alpine meadows. It inhabits forest and mountain meadow landscapes, preferring loose soils that are not subject to prolonged drying. When cohabiting with the Caucasian mole , digs deeper feed passages. In its diet, a large share is occupied by various insects - larvae and pupae of beetles ( ground beetles , nutcrackers , weevils ). Earthworms are eaten less often than other moles. Blind moles breed in winter, from February to March, still under the snow. In March, the female brings 1–5 cubs, and in April they already reach the size of their parents.
The blind mole is a common, unguarded species.
