Like most burrowing mammals with similar habits, the Chrysochloridae have short legs with powerful digging claws, very dense fur that repels dirt and moisture, and toughened skin, particularly on the head. The fur varies from black to pale yellow or grey, and has an iridescent sheen of green, blue, violet or copper when viewed in light. Their eyes are non-functional and covered with furred skin. The external ears are just tiny openings. In particular, golden moles bear a remarkable resemblance to the
marsupial moles of
Australia, family
Notoryctidae, which they resemble so suggestively that at one time, the
marsupial/
placental divide notwithstanding, some argued that they were related. Considerations that influenced the debate might have included the view that the Chrysochloridae are very primitive placentals and the fact that they have many mole-like specializations similar to specializations in marsupial moles. The
rhinarium is a greatly enlarged, dry leathery pad that protects their nostrils while the animal digs. In this respect, too, they resemble the marsupial moles. Some authors claim their primary sense is of
touch, and they are particularly sensitive to vibrations, which may indicate approaching danger. Note below, however, the observations on the
malleus in the middle ear. The species range in size from about to about . They have muscular shoulders and the forelimbs are radically adapted for digging; all the toes on the forefeet have been reduced, except for a large, pick-like third claw on the third toe. In comparison to true moles, the fifth digit is absent and the first and fourth digits are vestigial. The adaptations of the hind feet are less dramatic: They retain all five toes and are webbed as an adaptation to efficient backward shoveling of soil loosened by the front claws. At one time, the Chrysochloridae were regarded as
primitive. Supporting arguments of this included that they were thought to have originated in
Gondwana, that they had a low resting metabolic rate, and that they could switch off thermoregulation when inactive. Like the
tenrecs, they possess a
cloaca, and males lack a
scrotum. However, these points are no longer regarded as strongly suggestive of golden moles as undeveloped "reptilian mammals"; some are seen rather as adaptations to regional climatic conditions. Going into a
torpor when resting or during cold weather enables them to conserve energy and reduce urgent requirements for food. Similarly, they have developed particularly efficient kidneys, and some species do not need to drink water at all. They tend to drown if they fall into water. ==Habits and ecology==