No copies of this work may be distributed electronically outside of the subscribed institution, in whole or in part, without written permission from the JHU Press . The fur is soft and dense but not quite as velvety as that of some members of the family Talpidae. The color is dark brown to black, with a metallic sheen in reflected light. These moles are somewhat shrewlike in general appearance. The forefeet are only slightly broadened.
Ears are present, but they are small and hidden in the fur.
The tail is densely haired and often enlarged with fat. Both species are reportedly common in suitable habitat. They burrow just under the surface of the ground, but U. talpoides is also active on the surface and occasionally climbs low bushes and trees. In winter this species is often found dead in bird nesting boxes in trees at heights of two to four meters above the ground. The diet consists of insects, spiders, worms, and other invertebrates.