Description

Y-shaped burrows are characterized by two surface openings that lead to vertical to subvertical, nonbranching shafts or tunnels that join below the surface into a single subvertical tunnel. The orientation of the paired shafts or tunnels can be very different. The shafts and tunnels have an elliptical to circular cross section and are typically straight to curved. The end of the lower tunnel may be expanded to form a chamber. Y-shaped burrows tend to be formed from U-shaped burrows with the excavation of the lower tunnel at the base of the U-shaped tunnel. Y-shaped burrows are used as permanent dwellings.

 

Organisms that produce Y-shaped burrows

 

Giant Vinegaroon	Eastern Tiger Salamander	Sonoran Desert Millipede