What do moles primarily feed on?

Prepare for the Tennessee Category 3 Pesticide Certification Test. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel at your exam!

Moles primarily feed on insects and earthworms, making them beneficial for soil health as they aerate the ground and control soil-dwelling pest populations. Their diet primarily consists of invertebrates found in the soil, which are abundant and provide the necessary protein and nutrients. Moles are adapted to hunting their prey underground, using their acute senses to detect vibrations and movements in the soil. This diet not only sustains them but also contributes to the ecological balance in their habitats by controlling the populations of insects and earthworms in the ecosystem.

In contrast, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables, grasses, and roots do not make up a significant portion of their diet, as moles do not have the physical adaptations for foraging above ground or for consuming plant materials. Their primary feeding strategy is specialized for a diet rich in protein found in other soil-dwelling organisms.

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