Polecat

For other uses, see Polecat (disambiguation).

European polecat

Polecat is a common name for several cat-like mustelid species in the subfamilies Ictonychinae ^[1] and Mustelinae. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade). The name is applied to several species with broad similarities to European polecats, such as having a dark mask-like marking across the face.

In the United States, the term polecat is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term polecat is sometimes used as a colloquial nickname for the skunk, which is part of the family Mephitidae. ^[2]

Greek mythology

The polecat, in accordance with Greek mythology, is one of the symbols that represents Hekate along with two torches. ^{[3] [4]}

It represents Hekate for two reasons, one being that Galinthias, the nurse of Alkmene was turned into a polecat and Hekate took pity on her. The other [reason] is that Gale the Witch was turned into a polecat as punishment by Hekate. ^[3]

Taxonomy

According to the most recent taxonomic scheme proposing eight subfamilies within Mustelidae, polecats are classified as:

Subfamily Ictonychinae

• Genus Ictonyx
  • Striped polecat, I. striatus, (native to Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa)
  • Saharan striped polecat, I. libycus (Sahara)
• Genus Vormela
  • Marbled polecat, V. peregusna (Southeastern Europe to western China)

Subfamily Mustelinae

• Genus Mustela
  • Steppe polecat, M. eversmannii (Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia)
  • American polecat (Black-footed ferret) M. nigripes (Southwest United States)
  • European polecat, M. putorius (Western Eurasia and North Africa)

Mustelidae Lutrinae Mustela , Neogale (subfamily Mustelinae) Galictis , Vormela , Ictonyx , Poecilogale (subfamily Galictinae) Melogale (subfamily Helictidinae) Eira , Gulo , Martes (subfamily Guloninae) Arctonyx , Meles (subfamily Melinae) Mellivora (subfamily Mellivorinae) Taxidea (subfamily Taxideinae)

• 
  Striped polecat
• 
  Steppe polecat
• 
  Black-footed ferret, the "American polecat"
• 
  European polecat
• 
  Marbled polecat

See also

• Polecat–mink hybrid
• Polecat–ferret hybrid

References

1. Nascimento, Fabio Oliveira do (2014). "On the correct name for some subfamilies of Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora)" (PDF). Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia. 54 (21): 307–313. doi: 10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.21 . ISSN   0031-1049.
2. "Skunk Fact Sheet" (PDF). The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.
3. "What is the symbol of Hecate?". Answers.com. Retrieved 2025-08-05.
4. "HECATE (Hekate) - Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, Magic & Ghosts". Theoi Greek Mythology. Retrieved 2025-08-05.