Mole vs. Mole Cricket
Two subterranean and rarely seen creatures have appeared on the surface lately, one just tumbling around in the yard on a warm evening, and one in a big tub of rain water. New creatures are always exciting, but let’s see which one wins the Appealing Animal Award.
Mole | Mole Cricket | point goes to: | |
Latin name | Scalopus aquaticus | Scapteriscus borelli | tie |
habitat | subterranean | subterranean | tie |
diet | mostly earthworms | references can’t agree on whether they are herbivorous or carnivorous | tie |
native? | yes | no, introduced | Mole |
eyes | hardly visible | large and noticeable | Mole Cricket |
claws | suited for digging, but practically human looking | suited for digging, but typically bug-like | Mole |
special features | ability to withstand extra carbon dioxide in system | none that we know of | Mole |
surface | smooth and velvety | crunchy and shield-like | Mole |
exhibit 1
-see below |
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exhibit 2
-see below |
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appearance a surprise? | well, above-ground, yes, but evidence of existence seen often | yes, never even suspected there was such a creature! | Mole Cricket |
cultural references | Mole in The Wind in the Willows.
also, Whack-a-Mole games in arcades |
none | Mole |
damage caused? | minor ridges in ground, but we don’t live on a golf course, so no problem | none apparent | Mole Cricket |
irony? | Latin name has “aquaticus” but… | this individual was the one found swimming. | Mole Cricket |
Hmmm, this is going to be a tough one. Let’s look at the nominees again, in close-up.
And the Award goes to…. Mole! (Did you doubt? Look at that velvety coat!)
As always, no creatures were harmed during the filming of these pictures, and all creatures were released back into the wild after a few short moments of photography.
You might enjoy Jim’s post…
https://jarphys.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/is-that-thing-a-mole/
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