What Do Ground Moles Eat?

Moles are primitive animals that belong to the animal order Insectivora, meaning "insect-eaters." Moles are closely related to bats and shrews. There are many different species of mole, and most are found in the United States. All moles are black, brown or gray in color and have long, slender noses and sharp, needle-like teeth that help them feed. The size of the mole depends on its species, but most are fairly small, measuring only about 7 to 8 inches in length.

  1. Insects

    • The mole's diet consists mainly of insects found within the soil including grubs, beetles and insect larvae.

    Invertebrates and Vegetation

    • Though insects make up the majority of their diet, moles are also known to feed on invertebrates such as earthworms. Plant matter makes up a very small percentage of the mole's diet.

    Hunting

    • Moles live just below the ground in tunnels dug with their large front paws. They move just beneath the soil looking for food, which causes low ridges to develop on the surface of the soil. These ridges are referred to as "mole hills." Mole tunnels can become connected in areas where mole population is dense. As the mole searches for food, it digs long tunnels. It also uses these tunnels to rest and build nests.

    Eating Habits

    • Moles require large amounts of food due to the energy needed for constant burrowing. A mole usually eats up to 40 lbs. of food in a year and a single mole can eat over 75 percent of its body weight in one day. Moles travel great distances in search of food beneath the ground. Some moles travel up to a half mile each day.