There are two species of marsupials in this family. The southern marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops) and the northern marsupial mole (Notoryctes caurinus). They are found in the deserts of central Australia.

Marsupial moles are about 5 inches in length and have yellowish-brown fur, short tails, and pointed heads. They spend most of their lives underground and have many adaptations that help them live in the sand.

Marsupial moles have powerful scoop-shaped front paws, which they use to burrow into the sand. Their noses have a horny covering that helps them push into the sand. Their pouches open to the rear, so sand can’t get inside. Marsupial moles are blind. They have eyes but no optical nerves. They eat insect larvae.