fossorial

[ fo-sawr-ee-uh l, -sohr- ]

/ fɒˈsɔr i əl, -ˈsoʊr- /

digging or burrowing.

adapted for digging, as the hands, feet, and bone structure of moles, armadillos, and aardvarks.

Origin of fossorial

1830–40; < Late Latin fossōri(us) adapted to digging (equivalent to Latin fod(ere) to dig + tōrius -tory¹, with dt > ss) + -al¹

sub·fos·so·ri·al, adjective

Of these, Syrrhophus pipilans sometimes inhabits low trees and bushes; the others may be fossorial.

A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico |William E. Duellman
Aard-varks feed on animal substances; and are terrestrial and fossorial in habits.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 10 |Various
Evolution within the Dikkomyini resulted in the acquisition and perfection of fossorial adaptations.

Evolution and Classification of the Pocket Gophers of the Subfamily Geomyinae |Robert J. Russell
In the savannas Rhinophrynus dorsalis, Engystomops pustulosus, and Gastrophryne usta are fossorial species.

A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico |William E. Duellman

Fossorial: formed for or with the habit of digging or burrowing.

Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology |John. B. Smith

fossorial

/ (fɒˈsɔːrɪəl) /

(of the forelimbs and skeleton of burrowing animals) adapted for digging

(of burrowing animals, such as the mole and armadillo) having limbs of this type

C19: from Medieval Latin fossōrius from Latin fossor digger, from fodere to dig