Long-tailed weasel

Last updated

Long-tailed weasel
Mustela frenata new.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Neogale
Species:
N. frenata
Binomial name
Neogale frenata
(Lichtenstein, 1831)
Long-tailed Weasel area.png
Long-tailed weasel range
Synonyms

Mustela frenata

The long-tailed weasel (Neogale frenata), also known as the bridled weasel, masked ermine, or big stoat, is a species of mustelid distributed from southern Canada through much of the United States and Mexico, southward through all of Central America and into northern South America. It is distinct from the short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea), also known as a "stoat", a close relation in the genus Mustela that originated in Eurasia and crossed into North America some half million years ago; the two species are visually similar, especially the black tail tip.

Contents

Taxonomy

The long-tailed weasel was originally described in the genus Mustela with the name Mustela frenata by Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1831. [2] [3] In 1993, the classification, Mustela frenata, was accepted into the second edition of the Mammal species of the world: a taxonomic and geographic reference , which was published by the Smithsonian Institution Press . [3] The species, with classification and name Mustela frenata, was accepted into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. [2] Later, in a study published in 2021 in the Journal of Animal Diversity, Bruce Patterson et al. reclassified the long-tailed weasel into the genus Neogale along with 2 other former Mustela species, as well as the two species formerly classified in Neovison . [4]

Evolution

Skulls of a long-tailed weasel (top), a stoat (bottom left) and least weasel (bottom right), as illustrated in Merriam's Synopsis of the Weasels of North America Frenataermineanivalis.png
Skulls of a long-tailed weasel (top), a stoat (bottom left) and least weasel (bottom right), as illustrated in Merriam's Synopsis of the Weasels of North America

The long-tailed weasel is the product of a process begun 5–7 million years ago, when northern forests were replaced by open grassland, thus prompting an explosive evolution of small, burrowing rodents. The long-tailed weasel's ancestors were larger than the current form, and underwent a reduction in size to exploit the new food source. The long-tailed weasel arose in North America 2 million years ago, shortly before the stoat evolved as its mirror image in Eurasia. The species thrived during the Ice Age, as its small size and long body allowed it to easily operate beneath snow, as well as hunt in burrows. The long-tailed weasel and the stoat remained separated until half a million years ago, when falling sea levels exposed the Bering land bridge, thus allowing the stoat to cross into North America. However, unlike the latter species, the long-tailed weasel never crossed the land bridge, and did not spread into Eurasia. [5]

In winter coat I Am Weasel (15483000477).jpg
In winter coat

Description

The long-tailed weasel is one of the larger weasels (comprising both Neogale and Mustela) in North America. There is substantial disagreement both on the upper end of their size and difference in size by sex by source: one indicates a body length of 300–350 mm (12–14 in) and a tail comprising 40–70% of the head and body length. It adds that in most populations, females are 10–15% smaller than males, [6] thus making them about the same size as large male stoats, according to a second source. [7] A third states they range from 11 to 22 inches (280–560 mm) in length, with the tail measuring an additional 3 to 6 inches (80–150 mm). It maintains the long-tailed weasel weighs between 3 and 9 ounces (85-267 g) with males being about twice as large as the females. [8]

The eyes are black in daylight, but glow bright emerald green when caught in a spotlight at night. [9] The dorsal fur is brown in summer, while the underparts are whitish and tinged with yellowish or buffy brown from the chin to the inguinal region. The tail has a distinct black tip. Long-tailed weasels in Florida and the southwestern US may have facial markings of a white or yellowish colour. In northern areas in winter, the long-tailed weasel's fur becomes white, sometimes with yellow tints, but the tail retains its black tip. [6] The long-tailed weasel moults twice annually, once in autumn (October to mid-November) and once in spring (March–April). Each moult takes about 3–4 weeks and is governed by day length and mediated by the pituitary gland. Unlike the stoat, whose soles are thickly furred all year, the long-tailed weasel's soles are naked in summer. [7] The long-tailed weasel has well-developed anal scent glands, which produce a strong and musky odour. Analysis of a dichloromethane extract of the anal gland secretion showed it contained 2,2-dimethylthietane, 2,4-dimethylthietane, 2,3-dimethylthietane, 2-propylthietane, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dithiolane, 3-ethyl-1,2-dithiolane, indole and 2-aminoacetophenone. [10] Unlike skunks, which spray their musk, the long-tailed weasel drags and rubs its body over surfaces in order to leave the scent, [11] to mark their territory and, when startled or threatened, to discourage predators. [12]

Identification

Tracks and scat

The footprint of a long-tailed weasel is about 1 inch (25 mm) long. Although they have five toes, only four of them can be seen in their tracks. The only exception to this is when walking in the snow or mud, all five of their toes are shown. Their footprints will also appear heavier if the weasel is carrying food. Another way to determine the presence of a weasel is by looking for wavy indents made by their tails in the snow.

The long-tailed weasel uses one spot to leave their feces. This spot is usually near where they burrow. They'll continuously use this spot for their droppings until it gets covered by environmental changes. [13]

Distinguishing features

Black-tipped tail, brown and yellowish fur, and long whiskers distinguish this Long-tailed weasel in Seattle, Washington Long-tailed Weasel in Seattle, Washington, USA - 2 June 2021.jpg
Black-tipped tail, brown and yellowish fur, and long whiskers distinguish this Long-tailed weasel in Seattle, Washington

A black-tipped tail, yellowish-white belly fur, and brown fur on its back and sides are distinguishing for the long-tailed weasel. Additionally, the long-tailed weasel has long whiskers, a long narrow body, and a long tail that is approximately half the length of the body and head of the weasel. [14] [15] [16] Compared to the short-tailed weasel the long-tailed weasel lacks a white line on the insides of its legs. [16]

Behaviour

Reproduction and development

The long-tailed weasel mates in July–August, with implantation of the fertilized egg on the uterine wall being delayed until about March. The gestation period lasts 10 months, with actual embryonic development taking place only during the last four weeks of this period, an adaptation to timing births for spring, when small mammals are abundant. Litter size generally consists of 5–8 kits, which are born in April–May. The kits are born partially naked, blind and weighing 3 grams (0.11 oz), about the same weight of a hummingbird. The long-tailed weasel's growth rate is rapid, as by the age of three weeks, the kits are well furred, can crawl outside the nest and eat meat. At this time, the kits weigh 21–27 grams (0.74–0.95 oz). At five weeks of age, the kit's eyes open, and the young become physically active and vocal. Weaning begins at this stage, with the kits emerging from the nest and accompanying the mother in hunting trips a week later. The kits are fully grown by autumn, at which time the family disbands. The females are able to breed at 3–4 months of age, while males become sexually mature at 15–18 months. [11]

Denning and sheltering behaviour

The long-tailed weasel dens in ground burrows, under stumps or beneath rock piles. It usually does not dig its own burrows, but commonly uses abandoned chipmunk holes. The 22–30 cm (8.7–11.8 in) diameter nest chamber is situated around 60 cm (24 in) from the burrow entrance, and is lined with straw and the fur of prey. [11]

Defense

The enemies of the long-tailed weasel are usually coyotes, foxes, wildcats, wolves, and the Canadian lynx. The weasel will give off its musky odor, however, this is not primarily used when encountering other creatures. When leaving an area they were just in, they will leave their odor behind. This is done by the weasels taking themselves and hauling their bodies across surfaces they just interacted with. The long-tailed weasel does this to "discourage predators" from coming back to the area, possibly indicating that the weasel considers this a safe haven for return. [8] This type of reaction is also reserved for when the weasel feels it is in danger, or when it is looking for a mate. [17] Tree-climbing is another type of defense mechanism that long-tailed weasels utilize against predators on the ground. [18] These weasels will climb up a reasonable height of a tree when they sense that they are in danger. They will then sit silent and "motionless", while looking at their presumed predator. These weasels keep their guard up like this until the predator leaves, and when the weasel considers itself no longer in danger.

Another common defense of long-tailed weasels is its black-tipped tail, which differs in color from the rest of the body. [19] When the long-tailed weasel becomes more white in the winter, this defense mechanism is especially used. The black-tipped tail distracts predators from the rest of the body, as it is more visible to the eye of a predator. [20] This causes the visibility of the actual weasel to be rather difficult and makes the predator attack the tail instead of the weasel. The weasel is allowed to escape the predator because of this.

Diet

Long-tailed weasel in winter fur attacking a quail, as illustrated in Popular Science Monthly PSM V54 D814 Weasel attacking bird.png
Long-tailed weasel in winter fur attacking a quail, as illustrated in Popular Science Monthly
Long-tailed weasel with rodent prey in Box Elder County, Utah Weasel - n - Vole (22475287884).jpg
Long-tailed weasel with rodent prey in Box Elder County, Utah

The long-tailed weasel is a fearless and aggressive hunter which may attack animals far larger than itself. When stalking, it waves its head from side to side in order to pick up the scent of its prey. It hunts small prey, such as mice, by rushing at them and killing them with one bite to the head. With large prey, such as rabbits, the long-tailed weasel strikes quickly, taking its prey off guard. It grabs the nearest part of the animal and climbs upon its body, maintaining its hold with its feet. The long-tailed weasel then manoeuvres itself to inflict a lethal bite to the neck. [21]

The long-tailed weasel is an obligate carnivore which prefers its prey to be fresh or alive, eating only the carrion stored within its burrows. Rodents are almost exclusively taken when they are available. Its primary prey consists of mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, shrews, moles and rabbits. Occasionally, it may eat small birds, bird eggs, reptiles, amphibians, fish, earthworms and some insects. The species has also been observed to take bats from nursery colonies. It occasionally surplus kills, usually in spring when the kits are being fed, and again in autumn. Some of the surplus kills may be cached, but are usually left uneaten. Kits in captivity eat from a quarter to half of their body weight in 24 hours, while adults eat only one fifth to one third. After killing its prey, the long-tailed weasel laps up the blood, but does not suck it, as is popularly believed. With small prey, also the fur, feathers, flesh and bones are consumed, but only some flesh is eaten from large prey. When stealing eggs, the long-tailed weasel removes each egg from its nest one at a time, then carries it in its mouth to a safe location where it bites off the top and licks out the contents or if they have babies in the den they may hold it in their mouth all the way back to them. [21]

Subspecies

As of 2005, [18] 42 subspecies are recognised.

Cultural meanings

In North America, Native Americans (in the region of Chatham County, North Carolina) deemed the long-tailed weasel to be a bad sign; crossing its path meant a "speedy death". [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mustelidae</span> Family of mammals

The Mustelidae are a diverse family of carnivorous mammals, including weasels, stoats, badgers, otters, martens, grisons, and wolverines. Otherwise known as mustelids, they form the largest family in the suborder Caniformia of the order Carnivora with about 66 to 70 species in nine subfamilies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weasel</span> Mammal of the mustelid family

Weasels are mammals of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae. The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets, and European mink. Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slender bodies and short legs. The family Mustelidae, or mustelids, is often referred to as the "weasel family". In the UK, the term "weasel" usually refers to the smallest species, the least weasel (M. nivalis), the smallest carnivoran species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stoat</span> Species of mammal (mustelid)

The stoat, also known as the Eurasian ermine, Beringian ermine and ermine, is a mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It was introduced into New Zealand in the late 19th century to control rabbits, but had a devastating effect on native bird populations and was nominated as one of the world's top 100 "worst invaders".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-footed ferret</span> Species of carnivore

The black-footed ferret, also known as the American polecat or prairie dog hunter, is a species of mustelid native to central North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European polecat</span> Species of mustelid native to Eurasia and north Morocco

The European polecat, also known as the common polecat, black polecat and forest polecat, is a mustelid species native to western Eurasia and North Africa. It is of a generally dark brown colour, with a pale underbelly and a dark mask across the face. Occasionally, colour mutations including albinos, leucists, isabellinists, xanthochromists, amelanists and erythrists occur. It has a shorter, more compact body than other Mustela species, a more powerfully built skull and dentition, is less agile, and is well known for having the characteristic ability to secrete a particularly foul-smelling liquid to mark its territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Least weasel</span> Species of mammal

The least weasel, little weasel, common weasel, or simply weasel is the smallest member of the genus Mustela, family Mustelidae and order Carnivora. It is native to Eurasia, North America and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand, Malta, Crete, the Azores, and São Tomé. It is classified as least concern by the IUCN, due to its wide distribution and large population throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European mink</span> Species of mammal

The European mink, also known as the Russian mink and Eurasian mink, is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American mink</span> Semiaquatic species of mustelid

The American mink is a semiaquatic species of mustelid native to North America, though human introduction has expanded its range to many parts of Europe, Asia, and South America. Because of range expansion, the American mink is classed as a least-concern species by the IUCN. The American mink was formerly thought to be the only extant member of the genus Neovison following the extinction of the sea mink (N. macrodon), but recent studies, followed by taxonomic authorities, have reclassified it and the sea mink within the genus Neogale, which also contains a few New World weasel species. The American mink is a carnivore that feeds on rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs, and birds. In its introduced range in Europe it has been classified as an invasive species linked to declines in European mink, Pyrenean desman, and water vole populations. It is the animal most frequently farmed for its fur, exceeding the silver fox, sable, marten, and skunk in economic importance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea mink</span> Extinct species of mustelid mammal from eastern North America

The sea mink is a recently extinct species of mink that lived on the eastern coast of North America around the Gulf of Maine on the New England seaboard. It was most closely related to the American mink, with continuing debate about whether or not the sea mink should be considered a subspecies of the American mink or a species of its own. The main justification for a separate species designation is the size difference between the two minks, but other distinctions have been made, such as its redder fur. The only known remains are bone fragments unearthed in Native American shell middens. Its actual size is speculative, based largely on tooth remains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steppe polecat</span> Species of carnivore

The steppe polecat, also known as the white or masked polecat, is a species of mustelid native to Central and Eastern Europe and Central and East Asia.It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List because of its wide distribution, occurrence in a number of protected areas, and tolerance to some degree of habitat modification. It is generally of a very light yellowish colour, with dark limbs and a dark mask across the face. Compared to its relative, the European polecat, the steppe polecat is larger in size and has a more powerfully built skull.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amazon weasel</span> Species of carnivore

The Amazon weasel, also known as the tropical weasel, is a species of weasel native to South America. It was first identified from a museum specimen mislabelled as coming from Africa, hence the scientific name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siberian weasel</span> Species of carnivore

The Siberian weasel or kolonok, is a medium-sized weasel native to Asia, where it is widely distributed and inhabits various forest habitats and open areas. It is therefore listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain weasel</span> Species of mammal

The mountain weasel, also known as the pale weasel, Altai weasel or solongoi, primarily lives in high-altitude environments, as well as rocky tundra and grassy woodlands. This weasel rests in rock crevices, tree trunks, and abandoned burrows of other animals or the animals it previously hunted. The home range size of this animal is currently unknown. Geographical distribution for this species lies in parts of Asia from Kazakhstan, Tibet, and the Himalayas to Mongolia, northeastern China, and southern Siberia. The most common area for this species, however, is Ladakh, India. The conservation status, according to the IUCN, is near threatened because it is considered to be in significant decline and requires monitoring mainly because of habitat and resource loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colombian weasel</span> Species of carnivore

The Colombian weasel, also known as Don Felipe's weasel, is a very rare species of weasel only known with certainty from the departments of Huila and Cauca in Colombia and nearby northern Ecuador. Both its scientific and alternative common name honours the mammalogist Philip "Don Felipe" Hershkovitz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese weasel</span> Species of carnivore

The Japanese weasel is a carnivorous mammal belonging to the genus Mustela in the family Mustelidae. The most closely related Mustela species is the Siberian weasel. Its taxonomic species name, itatsi, is based on the Japanese word for weasel, itachi (イタチ). It is native to Japan where it occurs on the islands of Honshū, Kyūshū and Shikoku. It has been introduced to Hokkaidō and the Ryukyu Islands to control rodents and has also been introduced to Sakhalin Island in Russia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American ermine</span> Species of mammal (mustelid)

The American ermine or American stoat is a species of mustelid native to most of North America.

Mustela aistoodonnivalis, the missing-toothed pygmy weasel or Sichuan weasel, is a species of weasel that inhabits mountains in the Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces of China.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Reid, F. & Helgen, K. (2016). "Mustela frenata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T41654A45213820. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41654A45213820.en . Retrieved 18 February 2022. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
  2. 1 2 "Species | Accepted: Mustela frenata Lichtenstein, 1831". Global Biodiversity Information Facility . Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  3. 1 2 "BC Conservation Data Centre: Species Summary Mustela frenata Long-tailed Weasel". British Columbia Ministry of Environment . 8 March 2005. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  4. ↑ Patterson, Bruce D.; Ramírez-Chaves, Héctor E.; Vilela, Júlio F.; Soares, André E. R.; Grewe, Felix (2021). "On the nomenclature of the American clade of weasels (Carnivora: Mustelidae)". Journal of Animal Diversity. 3 (2): 1–8. doi: 10.52547/JAD.2021.3.2.1 . ISSN   2676-685X. S2CID   236299740.
  5. ↑ Macdonald 1992 , p. 205
  6. 1 2 Feldhamer, Thompson & Chapman 2003 , p. 651
  7. 1 2 Merritt & Matinko 1987 , p. 280
  8. 1 2 LONG-TAILED WEASEL (Mustela frenata), Description; Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota
  9. ↑ Schwartz & Schwartz 2001 , p. 303
  10. ↑ Wood W. F.; Joest K. P. (2008). "Major volatile compounds from the anal gland of the long-tailed weasel, Mustela frenata". Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 36: 588–589. doi:10.1016/j.bse.2008.01.005.
  11. 1 2 3 Merritt & Matinko 1987 , p. 282
  12. ↑ Long-tailed Weasel. Esf.edu. Retrieved on 2014-05-10.
  13. ↑ Colby 1963 , p. 35
  14. ↑ "Long-tailed Weasel Facts". Washington Nature Mapping Program. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  15. ↑ NatureWorks. "Long-tailed Weasel - Mustela frenata". NHPBS . Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  16. 1 2 Montana Field Guide. "Long-tailed Weasel — Mustela frenata". Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  17. ↑ Colby 1963 , p. 33
  18. 1 2 Wozencraft, W. C. (2005). "Order Carnivora". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN   978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC   62265494.
  19. ↑ "Mustela frenata - Vertebrate Collection | UWSP". www3.uwsp.edu. Retrieved 2022-10-21.
  20. ↑ Powell, Roger (1982). "Evolution of Black-Tipped Tails in Weasels: Predator Confusion". The American Naturalist. 119: 26.
  21. 1 2 Schwartz & Schwartz 2001 , pp. 306–307
  22. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 26–28
  23. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 31–32
  24. ↑ Merriam 1896 , p. 24
  25. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 22–24
  26. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 28–29
  27. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 29–30
  28. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 20–21
  29. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 16–18
  30. 1 2 Merriam 1896 , pp. 25–26
  31. ↑ Merriam 1896 , p. 19
  32. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 21–22
  33. ↑ Merriam 1896 , p. 21
  34. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 30–31
  35. ↑ Merriam 1896 , pp. 18–19
  36. ↑ Brown, Frank C.; Hand, Wayland D. (1977). Frank C. Brown Collection of North Carolina Folklore: Popular Beliefs and Superstitions from North Carolina. Duke UP. p. 56. ISBN   978-0-8223-0259-9.

Bibliography

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Mustela frenata at Wikimedia Commons

Wikispecies-logo.svg Data related to Mustela frenata at Wikispecies

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.