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The Scalopinae, or New World moles, are one of three subfamilies of the Talpidae family, which consists of moles and mole-like animals; the other two subfamilies being the Old World Talpids (the Talpinae) and the Chinese Shrew-like Moles (Uropsilinae). The Scalpidae are the only Talpidae subfamily to consist entirely of undisputed moles and no mole-like close relatives such as shrew-moles or desmans. They are found virtually everywhere soil and other conditions permit, in North America, except northern Canada and anywhere South of those ares of Northern Mexico where the soil isn't too sandy.

[edit] Members

There are two basic tribes within the Scalopinae: The Condylurini, a tribe of only one species, the extraordinary Star-nosed mole. The Scalopini often called "New World moles" despite including of one species which lives in China, and which are further subdivided into four genuses

The Scalopus, the common Eastern mole;

The Scapanus, four species of western moles;

The Parascalops, the aptly named Hairy-tailed Mole of north eastern North America;

The Gansu Mole, genus Scapanulus, which, quite surprisingly, is found only in China.

[edit] Morphology

There are certain morphological characteristics which unite the Scalopinae and distinguish them from all other moles. Should anyone be able to learn what these might be, this information should replace this text.