Marsupial mole is the only Australian mammal that spends its entire life underground. There are two species (kinds) of marsupial mole: the southern and the northern. Both live in desert regions of Australia. These animals are marsupials—that is, they give birth to tiny, poorly developed offspring. After birth, marsupial mole offspring continue to grow and develop in a pouch on the mother’s belly. Adults can usually measure from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and weigh from 1 to 2 1/2 ounces (30 to 70 grams). Southern marsupial moles are slightly larger than the northern species. Because marsupial moles live underground, people rarely see them. 
The body of a marsupial mole is well suited to living underground. It has short, strong limbs with powerful claws for digging. A shield of hard skin covers its nose, helping it to push through sand. Its small, sausage-shaped body is covered in silky, cream colored fur. The marsupial mole does not have working eyes. But it has a well developed sense of smell probably used to help in finding food and mates underground. The opening of the ear is hidden under fur, keeping sand from getting in. As a marsupial mole digs, soft sand fills the tunnel behind it. It does not dig permanent burrows, as do other moles. The marsupial mole has a short tail that is covered in tough skin. The tail helps anchor the animal in the sand when digging.
Marsupial moles have unusual peglike teeth. They eat mostly insects and their larvae (young). Marsupial moles also feed on animals such as centipedes and small reptiles. Foxes prey on marsupial moles.
Female marsupial moles give birth to one or two offspring. The young grow in the mother’s pouch, where they feed on her milk. The pouch opens backwards, preventing sand from entering when the animal digs.
