Fromalascensisandsalva,seclusadiffers in larger teeth, shorter skull, much larger preorbital and interorbital regions, actually as well as in relation to basilar length. Excepting the teeth, which are of about the same size, the same general differences obtain in comparison withinitiswhich, however, is 29 per cent heavier.
Fromcelenda,seclusadiffers in smaller skull in all parts measured, being 22 per cent lighter. The teeth are about the same size. In relation to its length the skull ofseclusais much broader and deeper. Fromhaidarum,seclusadiffers in: teeth larger; skull shorter and more convex in dorsal outline along median longitudinal axis; in relation to basilar length, skull broader, deeper and braincase relatively shorter.
Remarks.—The characters shown in the one available skull are far outside the limits of individual variation for other known subspecies. Other specimens are much to be desired to ascertain what the "average" individual is like and to learn the characters of the female.
Specimen examined.—One, the holotype.
Specimen examined.—One, the holotype.
Ermine
Plates5,6,7,11,12and13
Putorius haidarumPreble, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 12:169, August 10, 1898.Mustela haidarum, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:97, December 31, 1912.Mustela erminea haidarum, Hall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:38, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Putorius haidarumPreble, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 12:169, August 10, 1898.
Mustela haidarum, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:97, December 31, 1912.
Mustela erminea haidarum, Hall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:38, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, skull, skeleton and skin; no. 94430, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Massett, Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia; March 17, 1898; obtained by J. H. Keen; original no. 1800x.The skull is unbroken and complete except for osseous tissue destroyed in the region of each postorbital process; this is the result of infestation of the frontal sinuses by parasites. The skeleton is complete down to the distal ends of the tibiae; the more distal bones are in the skin. The first, right, upper incisor is missing. Otherwise the teeth all are present and entire.The skin is in the white, winter pelage but the new under fur is visible along the back and on the head although mostly covered with white hair.Range.—Queen Charlotte Islands. See figure25, page95.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. celendain chest white (not mostly covered by brown patch), proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored like underparts instead of upper parts, in males basilar length less than 38.2; fromM. e. seclusa, in male, in zygomatic breadth less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen; fromM. e. richardsoniiandalascensis, in both sexes, in proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored like underparts instead of upper parts, interorbital breadth not less than distance from glenoid fossa to posterior margin of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. anguinaeandfallenda, in both sexes, in light-colored underparts more than half the width of dark-colored upper parts, proximal two-thirds of under surface of tail colored like underparts instead of upper parts, interorbital breadth equal to or more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus.Description.—Size.—Male: Two adults, U.S.N.M., no. 100622, from Cumsheva Inlet, and Amer. Mus. N. H., no. 37411, and the type, measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 283, 290, 275; length of tail, 70, 75, 60; length of hind foot, 39, 40, 37.Female: Corresponding measurements of an adult, no. 100624, and a young individual, no. 100623, each from Cumsheva Inlet, are: 252, 250; 63, 61; 31, 32.Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that underparts not Sulphur Yellow but ranging from near (e) Colonial Buff through Marguerite Yellow to almost pure white; color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs and onto toes but in many specimens interrupted at wrist by color of upper parts; color of underparts extends onto proximal three-fourths of under side of tail as length of tail is measured along tail-vertebrae; least width of color of underparts averaging, in 5 males, 79 (66-130) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same males averaging 62 (60-70) mm. which is 92 (83-115) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.The close correspondence in color-pattern of this weasel with the Arctic races,arctica,polaris,sempleiandkadiacensisis noteworthy, and distinguishes it from weasels on the adjacent mainland and adjoining islands to the north and south. The color of the upper parts is darker than in the four Arctic races named.Skull.—Male (7 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.9 (1.7-2.0) grams; basilar length, 36.7 (35.6-37.5); length of tooth-rows more than length of tympanic bullae; breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes more than a third of basilar length; interorbital breadth more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus; zygomatic breadth barely less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.Female (2 adults): See measurements and plates11-13. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.3 and 1.4 grams; basilar length, 34.2; length of tooth-rows more or less than (about equal to) length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length; interorbital breadth not less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus.
Type.—Male, adult, skull, skeleton and skin; no. 94430, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Massett, Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia; March 17, 1898; obtained by J. H. Keen; original no. 1800x.
The skull is unbroken and complete except for osseous tissue destroyed in the region of each postorbital process; this is the result of infestation of the frontal sinuses by parasites. The skeleton is complete down to the distal ends of the tibiae; the more distal bones are in the skin. The first, right, upper incisor is missing. Otherwise the teeth all are present and entire.
The skin is in the white, winter pelage but the new under fur is visible along the back and on the head although mostly covered with white hair.
Range.—Queen Charlotte Islands. See figure25, page95.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. celendain chest white (not mostly covered by brown patch), proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored like underparts instead of upper parts, in males basilar length less than 38.2; fromM. e. seclusa, in male, in zygomatic breadth less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen; fromM. e. richardsoniiandalascensis, in both sexes, in proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored like underparts instead of upper parts, interorbital breadth not less than distance from glenoid fossa to posterior margin of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. anguinaeandfallenda, in both sexes, in light-colored underparts more than half the width of dark-colored upper parts, proximal two-thirds of under surface of tail colored like underparts instead of upper parts, interorbital breadth equal to or more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus.
Description.—Size.—Male: Two adults, U.S.N.M., no. 100622, from Cumsheva Inlet, and Amer. Mus. N. H., no. 37411, and the type, measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 283, 290, 275; length of tail, 70, 75, 60; length of hind foot, 39, 40, 37.
Female: Corresponding measurements of an adult, no. 100624, and a young individual, no. 100623, each from Cumsheva Inlet, are: 252, 250; 63, 61; 31, 32.
Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that underparts not Sulphur Yellow but ranging from near (e) Colonial Buff through Marguerite Yellow to almost pure white; color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs and onto toes but in many specimens interrupted at wrist by color of upper parts; color of underparts extends onto proximal three-fourths of under side of tail as length of tail is measured along tail-vertebrae; least width of color of underparts averaging, in 5 males, 79 (66-130) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same males averaging 62 (60-70) mm. which is 92 (83-115) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
The close correspondence in color-pattern of this weasel with the Arctic races,arctica,polaris,sempleiandkadiacensisis noteworthy, and distinguishes it from weasels on the adjacent mainland and adjoining islands to the north and south. The color of the upper parts is darker than in the four Arctic races named.
Skull.—Male (7 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.9 (1.7-2.0) grams; basilar length, 36.7 (35.6-37.5); length of tooth-rows more than length of tympanic bullae; breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes more than a third of basilar length; interorbital breadth more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus; zygomatic breadth barely less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.
Female (2 adults): See measurements and plates11-13. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.3 and 1.4 grams; basilar length, 34.2; length of tooth-rows more or less than (about equal to) length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length; interorbital breadth not less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus.
Fromrichardsonii,haidarumdiffers in that skull of the male is actually larger in its anterior part (breadth of rostrum, interorbital breadth and orbitonasal length) but all measurements of other parts average less. In relation to the basilar length, the tympanic bulla is shorter but all other measurements are more. In the skull of the female, which is 23 per cent heavier, the width of the tympanic bulla and anteroposterior extent of the inner lobe of M1 are the same; in all other measurements the female ofhaidarumis larger, and in relation to the basilar length all measurements are more except the depth of the skull at the anterior margin of the basioccipital and the width of the tympanic bulla, which are less. By actual weight the skull of the male is 25 per cent lighter and the skull of the female 24 per cent heavier than inrichardsonii. Fromfallendaandanguinae,haidarumdiffers in that measurements of the skulls of both sexes either average more, or are uniformly more, with two exceptions. These are the lesser length and breadth of the tympanic bulla, in comparison with males offallenda, and the dimensions of M1 which are about the same in all three races concerned. The pre- and interorbital parts are larger in relation to the remainder of the skull. The postorbital breadth is actually a third more than infallenda. In relation to the basilar length, the tympanic bulla is shorter and the braincase deeper than in males ofanguinae. The skull of the male is 27 per cent heavier than that offallendaand 58 per cent heavier than that ofanguinae. The skull of the female is 59 and 50 per cent heavier than those offallendaandanguinae, respectively. Comparison of the skull with those ofalascensis,celendaandseclusahas been made in the accounts of those subspecies.
Remarks.—The available specimens of this ermine were obtained by J. H. Keen in 1898, Wilfred H. Osgood and E. A. Lewis in 1900, W. W. Brown in 1914, J. A. Munro in 1917 and 1918, and Allan Brooks in 1920.M. e. haidarumhas more claim to full specific status than any other race of ermine because the diagnostic structural features are numerous and individually of relatively great degree. Indeed, individual variation appears not to bridge the gap between any population ofhaidarumand other subspecies and strong reasons could be advanced for accordinghaidarumthe status of a full species. It differs from the subspecies ofermineaon the adjoining mainland and adjoining islands to the north and south and agrees with the Arctic races (arctica,polaris,sempleiandkadiacensis) in great extent of the color of the underparts, extension of this color onto the underneath side of the tail, long black tip of the tail and general form of the skull including the relatively heavy preorbital region. The color although darker than in the Arctic subspecies, is lighter than in the insular races immediately to the north and south. In combination, the features mentioned could be taken as indication thathaidarumis a relict population from a former glacial period. Assuming that it is a relict population, the color may have become slightly darker since that period but the main response appears to have been a decrease in size for this is a much smaller animal than the Arctic ermines. The size is about what would be expected if one were to judge by the slightly larger ermines on the islands of southeastern Alaska to the north and the smaller ermine on Vancouver Island to the south.
The ermines of the islands of southeastern Alaska, excepting possibly the incompletely knownseclusa, have fewer characters of the Arctic races and more characters of the races of the adjoining mainland. Therefore, a possible inference is that the distinctive characters of ermines of the Alaskan islands developed with the aid of isolation from stocks which reached the islands after the glacial period.M. e. haidarummay have found its way to the Queen Charlotte Islands in the glacial period.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 17, as follows. Arranged by locality from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the U. S. National Museum.British Columbia.Queen Charlotte Islands. Masset, 7 (4[74], 1[2], 1[59]); Skidegate, 1; Graham Island, 5 (2[94], 1[77], 1[2]); Cumsheva Inlet, 3; no locality more definite than Queen Charlotte Islands, 1[2].
Specimens examined.—Total number, 17, as follows. Arranged by locality from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the U. S. National Museum.
British Columbia.Queen Charlotte Islands. Masset, 7 (4[74], 1[2], 1[59]); Skidegate, 1; Graham Island, 5 (2[94], 1[77], 1[2]); Cumsheva Inlet, 3; no locality more definite than Queen Charlotte Islands, 1[2].
Ermine
Plates5,6,7,11,12and13
Mustela cicognanii anguinaeHall, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 38:417, November 8, 1932.Putorius cicognanii, Baird, Mamm. N. Amer., p. 161, 1858 (part).Putorius streatori, Swarth, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 10:102, February 13, 1912.Mustela erminea anguinaeHall, Journ. Mamm., 26:79, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Mustela cicognanii anguinaeHall, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 38:417, November 8, 1932.
Putorius cicognanii, Baird, Mamm. N. Amer., p. 161, 1858 (part).
Putorius streatori, Swarth, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 10:102, February 13, 1912.
Mustela erminea anguinaeHall, Journ. Mamm., 26:79, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, complete skeleton (no skin); no. 12482, Mus. Vert. Zoöl., French Creek, Vancouver Island, British Columbia; found as a desiccated carcass on May 1, 1910; obtained by Harry S. Swarth.Range.—Vancouver Island, British Columbia. See figures25,27pages 95, 149.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. haidarum, in both sexes, in light-colored underparts less than half the width of dark-colored upper parts, proximal two-thirds of under surface of tail colored like upper parts instead of underparts, interorbital breadth less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. fallenda, in both sexes, anterior margin of tympanic bullae flush with squamosal rather than projecting from floor of braincase, in males by sagittal crest absent, in females by total length more than 238 and tooth-rows about same length as, instead of longer than, tympanic bulla; fromM. e. streatori, in male, by sagittal crest absent and hind foot ordinarily more than 33.5, in female by hind foot more than 27.5, basilar length more than 30.2; fromM. e. olympica, in males, by greater average size, hind foot ordinarily more than 33.4 and interorbital breadth ordinarily more than 8.5, in females by larger size, total length more than 235, tail more than 65, hind foot more than 27.5, basilar length more than 30.2.Description.—Size.—Male: Sixteen adults and subadults yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 272 (261-284) mm.; length of tail, 81 (74-86); length of hind foot, 35.0 (33.5-36).Female: Five adults and subadults have corresponding measurements as follows: 247 (241-257); 69 (66-73); 30.0 (28.0-32.0).Color.—As described inMustela erminea streatoriexcept that: occasionally white in winter; upper parts about tone 2 of Dark Chocolate of Oberthür and Dauthenay; least width of color of underparts averaging, in 7 adult males, 6 (0-15) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same series averaging 37 (26-46) mm. which is 46 (32-54) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull.—Male (based on 13 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.2 (1.0-1.3) grams; basilar length, 34.0 (32.5-35.6); length of tooth-rows more or less (usually less) than length of tympanic bulla.Female (based on 5 adults): See measurements and plates11-13. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight 0.9 (0.77-1.06) grams; basilar length, 31.5 (30.9-31.8) grams; length of tooth-rows more or less than (approximately same as) length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length.
Type.—Male, adult, complete skeleton (no skin); no. 12482, Mus. Vert. Zoöl., French Creek, Vancouver Island, British Columbia; found as a desiccated carcass on May 1, 1910; obtained by Harry S. Swarth.
Range.—Vancouver Island, British Columbia. See figures25,27pages 95, 149.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. haidarum, in both sexes, in light-colored underparts less than half the width of dark-colored upper parts, proximal two-thirds of under surface of tail colored like upper parts instead of underparts, interorbital breadth less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. fallenda, in both sexes, anterior margin of tympanic bullae flush with squamosal rather than projecting from floor of braincase, in males by sagittal crest absent, in females by total length more than 238 and tooth-rows about same length as, instead of longer than, tympanic bulla; fromM. e. streatori, in male, by sagittal crest absent and hind foot ordinarily more than 33.5, in female by hind foot more than 27.5, basilar length more than 30.2; fromM. e. olympica, in males, by greater average size, hind foot ordinarily more than 33.4 and interorbital breadth ordinarily more than 8.5, in females by larger size, total length more than 235, tail more than 65, hind foot more than 27.5, basilar length more than 30.2.
Description.—Size.—Male: Sixteen adults and subadults yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 272 (261-284) mm.; length of tail, 81 (74-86); length of hind foot, 35.0 (33.5-36).
Female: Five adults and subadults have corresponding measurements as follows: 247 (241-257); 69 (66-73); 30.0 (28.0-32.0).
Color.—As described inMustela erminea streatoriexcept that: occasionally white in winter; upper parts about tone 2 of Dark Chocolate of Oberthür and Dauthenay; least width of color of underparts averaging, in 7 adult males, 6 (0-15) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same series averaging 37 (26-46) mm. which is 46 (32-54) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull.—Male (based on 13 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.2 (1.0-1.3) grams; basilar length, 34.0 (32.5-35.6); length of tooth-rows more or less (usually less) than length of tympanic bulla.
Female (based on 5 adults): See measurements and plates11-13. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight 0.9 (0.77-1.06) grams; basilar length, 31.5 (30.9-31.8) grams; length of tooth-rows more or less than (approximately same as) length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length.
The sexual dimorphism in the skull is slight, the skull of the male being only a third heavier than that of the female. Infallendaof the adjacent mainland to the east the male is three-fourths heavier than the female. In comparison withfallenda, males are smaller, averaging less in every cranial and dental measurement taken and by weight are a fifth lighter; sagittal crest absent rather than present; tympanic bullae flush with squamosal rather than projecting below floor of braincase; in relation to basilar length, tympanic bullae smaller, braincase deeper and broader, skull wider interorbitally and across zygomata. Females are larger than infallenda, and with one exception average larger in every cranial and dental measurement taken, being 6 per cent heavier. The one exception mentioned is the lesser actual length of the tympanic bulla inanguinae, in which the length of the tooth-rows is about the same as, rather than less than, the length of the tympanic bulla. The postorbital breadth is greater than infallendaand the anterior edges of the tympanic bullae are flush with the squamosals rather than projecting below the floor of braincase. In relation to the skull as a whole the preorbital and interorbital parts are larger.
In comparison withstreatori, skulls of males are of about the same size,anguinaebeing only 9 per cent heavier. The length of the tooth-rows is ordinarily less than, rather than about equal to, the length of the tympanic bulla; sagittal crest wanting rather than present since inanguinaethe temporal muscles meet usually only at the posterior end of the braincase instead of all along the midline on its top; tympanic bullae narrower and more nearly flush with squamosal (less protruded from braincase). Relative to the basilar length, the zygomatic breadth is more, the tympanic bullae are narrower, and the braincase is deeper at the anterior end of the basioccipital. The female is 41 per cent heavier thanstreatori, there being no overlap in most cranial and dental measurements. M1, however, is approximately the same size in each subspecies. The tooth-rows and tympanic bulla are of almost equal length whereas instreatorithe length of the tooth-rows is less than that of the bulla.
Differences fromolympica, in males, are: M1 shorter; all other measurements of teeth and parts of skull averaging larger; skull 20 per cent heavier; tooth-rows averaging shorter than tympanic bulla rather than about the same; relative to basilar length, braincase deeper at anterior end of basioccipital and tooth-rows shorter. The skull of the female is 64 per cent heavier, larger in every measurement taken without overlap; temporal ridges meeting, rather than separated, at lambdoidal crest; length of tooth-rows about equal to, rather than shorter than, tympanic bulla; in relation to basilar length, skull deeper, orbitonasal length more, mastoid and zygomatic breadths more, and tympanic bullae shorter.
Remarks.—References in the literature to this insular race mostly were under the namestreatoriuntil 1932 when in the course of the present study the nameanguinaewas proposed. A few specimens have been taken by nearly every student of small mammals who has collected on Vancouver Island. Arthur Peake and Herbert Laing have probably collected more specimens than any other two zoölogists.
M. c. anguinaeis noteworthy for the slight secondary sexual variation in size; the disparity between the two sexes is less than in any other American subspecies oferminea. By linear measurement the body of the female is only 7 per cent shorter than in the male (178 versus 191 mm.). Linear measurements and weights of the skulls of the two sexes are further indicative of this approximation in size. By weight the skull of the female is only a fourth lighter than that of the male, or, stated in another way, the male's skull is only a third heavier (1.2 versus 0.9 grams).
No geographic variation has been detected between lots of specimens from different parts of Vancouver Island. The one specimen available from Salt Spring Island presents no obvious differences from selected individuals from Vancouver Island.
The winter pelage is more often brown than white. Of 17 specimens seen in winter pelage or in transition pelage, only 6 are white. These 6 are from Comox, Stamp River, Hilliers, Jeune Landing and Port Alice. Of the 34 specimens in brown pelage, 7 have the dark color of the upper parts meeting on the abdomen. Six of the 34 have brown color on the pectoral region. In two, this is a separate patch but in the other four the dark color is a continuation of the upper parts and extends in front of each foreleg over part of the pectoral region, but the two extensions, one from either side, do not meet on the underparts. The color of the lips was recorded in 22 individuals: one had both the upper and lower-lips white; 7 had the upper lips brown and the lower lips white; in 14 both the upper and lower-lips were brown.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 40, listed by localities from north to south as follows. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the National Museum of Canada.British Columbia.Vancouver Island: Cape Scott, 4; Shushartie, 1; Quatsino, 1[74]; Jeune Landing, 1[74]; Port Alice, 5[15]; Marble Creek, Quatsino Sound, 1[22]; Port Hardy, 5; Sayward, 2; Bear Lake, 4; Bear River, 1; Comox, 4(3[85]); Stamp River, Alberni, 1[31]; Errington, 1[74]; French Creek, 1[74]; Hilliers, 1[74]; Craigs Crossing, 1[74]; Nanaimo, 2[22]; Cowichan Lake, 1[22]; Duncan, 2[85]; Salt Spring Island, 1[85].
Specimens examined.—Total number, 40, listed by localities from north to south as follows. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the National Museum of Canada.
British Columbia.Vancouver Island: Cape Scott, 4; Shushartie, 1; Quatsino, 1[74]; Jeune Landing, 1[74]; Port Alice, 5[15]; Marble Creek, Quatsino Sound, 1[22]; Port Hardy, 5; Sayward, 2; Bear Lake, 4; Bear River, 1; Comox, 4(3[85]); Stamp River, Alberni, 1[31]; Errington, 1[74]; French Creek, 1[74]; Hilliers, 1[74]; Craigs Crossing, 1[74]; Nanaimo, 2[22]; Cowichan Lake, 1[22]; Duncan, 2[85]; Salt Spring Island, 1[85].
Ermine
Plates5,6,7,11,12and13
Mustela erminea fallendaHall, Journ. Mamm., 26:79, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.Putorius streatoriMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:13, June 30, 1896 (part-Sumas).
Mustela erminea fallendaHall, Journ. Mamm., 26:79, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Putorius streatoriMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:13, June 30, 1896 (part-Sumas).
Fig. 27.Map showing known occurrences and probable geographic ranges of the subspecies ofMustela ermineain Washington and parts of British Columbia and Oregon.
Fig. 27.Map showing known occurrences and probable geographic ranges of the subspecies ofMustela ermineain Washington and parts of British Columbia and Oregon.
Fig. 27.Map showing known occurrences and probable geographic ranges of the subspecies ofMustela ermineain Washington and parts of British Columbia and Oregon.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 7096, Nat. Mus. Canada; Huntingdon, British Columbia; May 21, 1927; obtained by C. H. Young, original no. 317.The brown summer skin is well made. The skull (plates5-7) is complete. Right p2 has the crown broken away; otherwise the teeth all are present and entire.Range.—On mainland in immediate vicinity of coast from probably opposite Texada Island, British Columbia, south to Lake Whatcom, Washington, and east to Mount Baker Range on International boundary. See figures25,27on pages 95, 149.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. haidarum, in both sexes, in light-colored underparts less than half the width of dark-colored upper parts, proximal two-thirds of under surface of tail colored like upper parts instead of underparts, interorbital breadth less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. richardsoniiin both sexes, by upper lips brown rather than white, in males hind foot less than 41 and basilar length less than 38.3, in females hind foot less than 29, basilar length less than 31.4 and breadth of rostrum more, instead of less, than 30 per cent of basilar length; fromM. e. invicta, in both sexes, by upper lips brown (not white); in males by skull averaging shorter (basilar length 35.7 versus 37.0); in females by breadth of rostrum more, instead of less, than 30 per cent of basilar length; fromM. e. anguinae, in both sexes, by anterior margin of tympanic bulla projecting from floor of braincase rather than flush with squamosal (the difference is slight in females), in males by sagittal crest present, in females by total length less than 238 and tooth-rows longer than, instead of about same length as, tympanic bulla; fromM. e. streatori, in both sexes, by black tip of tail more than half of length of tail-vertebrae, in males hind foot more than 33.7, tympanic bulla longer than, instead of about same length as, upper tooth-rows; weight of skull more than 1-1/4 grams, in females weight of skull more than 0.7 grams, length of lateral side of P4, 4 mm. or more; fromM. e. olympica, in males, length of hind foot more than 33, black tip of tail more than 36.5 mm., weight of skull more than 1.2 grams, basilar length more than 33.5, in females length of hind foot more than 25.5, weight of skull more than 0.66 grams, basilar length more than 28.4; fromM. e. gulosa, in both sexes, by anterior margin of tympanic bulla projecting below floor of braincase rather than flush with squamosal (the difference is slight in females), in males hind foot more than 33.5, weight of skull more than 1-1/4 grams, basilar length more than 33.9, in females by total length more than 222, hind foot longer than 26, weight of skull more than 0.7 grams, basilar length more than 29.Description.—Size.—Male: Seven adult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 278 (249-305); length of tail, 77 (69-81); length of hind foot, 36.5 (34-40). A male topotype of unknown age weighed 113 grams.Female: Two adult topotypes, with actual measurements in parentheses, average as follows: Total length, 232 (228-236); length of tail, 60 (57-62); length of hind foot, 27 (27-27). An adult from Morovitz Guard Station, Wash., weighed 54 grams.Color.—Winter pelage rarely white, brown pelage indistinguishable from summer pelage except for slightly more smoky tinge in winter in specimens from some localities; otherwise as described inMustela erminea streatoriexcept that least width of color of underparts averaging, in seven adult topotypes, 18 (0-37) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging, in same series, 45 (38-52) mm. which is 58 (53-65) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.In comparison withrichardsoniiandinvicta,fallendadiffers in darker color of upper parts and their extension at the expense of the light-colored underparts which are narrower by a half. In correlation with this restriction in area of the light-colored underparts, the upper lips are brown instead of white. In comparison withanguinae,olympicaandstreatori, the longer black tip on the tail is the principal difference in color. Fromgulosa,fallendadiffers in slightly darker color of upper parts and in narrow underparts, the width of the same being only about a fifth instead of a third of the width of the dark-colored upper parts.Skull.—Male (based on 7 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.5 (1.3-1.7) grams; basilar length, 35.7 (34.3-38.2).Female (based on 6 ads.): See measurements and plates11-13. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.85 (0.73-1.0) grams; basilar length, 30.6 (29.4-31.7); breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 7096, Nat. Mus. Canada; Huntingdon, British Columbia; May 21, 1927; obtained by C. H. Young, original no. 317.
The brown summer skin is well made. The skull (plates5-7) is complete. Right p2 has the crown broken away; otherwise the teeth all are present and entire.
Range.—On mainland in immediate vicinity of coast from probably opposite Texada Island, British Columbia, south to Lake Whatcom, Washington, and east to Mount Baker Range on International boundary. See figures25,27on pages 95, 149.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. haidarum, in both sexes, in light-colored underparts less than half the width of dark-colored upper parts, proximal two-thirds of under surface of tail colored like upper parts instead of underparts, interorbital breadth less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior margin of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. richardsoniiin both sexes, by upper lips brown rather than white, in males hind foot less than 41 and basilar length less than 38.3, in females hind foot less than 29, basilar length less than 31.4 and breadth of rostrum more, instead of less, than 30 per cent of basilar length; fromM. e. invicta, in both sexes, by upper lips brown (not white); in males by skull averaging shorter (basilar length 35.7 versus 37.0); in females by breadth of rostrum more, instead of less, than 30 per cent of basilar length; fromM. e. anguinae, in both sexes, by anterior margin of tympanic bulla projecting from floor of braincase rather than flush with squamosal (the difference is slight in females), in males by sagittal crest present, in females by total length less than 238 and tooth-rows longer than, instead of about same length as, tympanic bulla; fromM. e. streatori, in both sexes, by black tip of tail more than half of length of tail-vertebrae, in males hind foot more than 33.7, tympanic bulla longer than, instead of about same length as, upper tooth-rows; weight of skull more than 1-1/4 grams, in females weight of skull more than 0.7 grams, length of lateral side of P4, 4 mm. or more; fromM. e. olympica, in males, length of hind foot more than 33, black tip of tail more than 36.5 mm., weight of skull more than 1.2 grams, basilar length more than 33.5, in females length of hind foot more than 25.5, weight of skull more than 0.66 grams, basilar length more than 28.4; fromM. e. gulosa, in both sexes, by anterior margin of tympanic bulla projecting below floor of braincase rather than flush with squamosal (the difference is slight in females), in males hind foot more than 33.5, weight of skull more than 1-1/4 grams, basilar length more than 33.9, in females by total length more than 222, hind foot longer than 26, weight of skull more than 0.7 grams, basilar length more than 29.
Description.—Size.—Male: Seven adult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 278 (249-305); length of tail, 77 (69-81); length of hind foot, 36.5 (34-40). A male topotype of unknown age weighed 113 grams.
Female: Two adult topotypes, with actual measurements in parentheses, average as follows: Total length, 232 (228-236); length of tail, 60 (57-62); length of hind foot, 27 (27-27). An adult from Morovitz Guard Station, Wash., weighed 54 grams.
Color.—Winter pelage rarely white, brown pelage indistinguishable from summer pelage except for slightly more smoky tinge in winter in specimens from some localities; otherwise as described inMustela erminea streatoriexcept that least width of color of underparts averaging, in seven adult topotypes, 18 (0-37) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging, in same series, 45 (38-52) mm. which is 58 (53-65) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
In comparison withrichardsoniiandinvicta,fallendadiffers in darker color of upper parts and their extension at the expense of the light-colored underparts which are narrower by a half. In correlation with this restriction in area of the light-colored underparts, the upper lips are brown instead of white. In comparison withanguinae,olympicaandstreatori, the longer black tip on the tail is the principal difference in color. Fromgulosa,fallendadiffers in slightly darker color of upper parts and in narrow underparts, the width of the same being only about a fifth instead of a third of the width of the dark-colored upper parts.
Skull.—Male (based on 7 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.5 (1.3-1.7) grams; basilar length, 35.7 (34.3-38.2).
Female (based on 6 ads.): See measurements and plates11-13. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.85 (0.73-1.0) grams; basilar length, 30.6 (29.4-31.7); breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length.
In comparison withrichardsonii, skulls of males differ as follows: averaging smaller in every measurement taken with no overlap in several dimensions; 40 per cent lighter; in relation to basilar length, rostrum (orbitonasal length) longer and skull slightly broader interorbitally. Females average smaller in every cranial and dental measurement taken with no overlap in basilar length, length of tooth-rows and length of tympanic bulla; 22 per cent lighter; breadth of rostrum more, rather than less, than 30 per cent of basilar length; in relation to basilar length, pre- and interorbital parts of skull larger, and mastoid breadth more.
Differences from males ofolympicaare: size larger with no overlap in most measurements; 50 per cent heavier; tympanic bullae longer than upper tooth-rows rather than of about equal length; in relation to basilar length, rostrum shorter, braincase wider and deeper, zygomata more expanded. Females are larger with no overlap in most measurements; 35 per cent heavier; in relation to basilar length, pre- and interorbital regions narrower, braincase deeper and wider across mastoids.
Differences fromstreatori, in males, are: skull averaging larger in every cranial and dental measurement taken; 36 per cent heavier; tympanic bulla longer than, instead of about same length as, upper tooth-rows. In females the inner lobe of M1 is shorter anteroposteriorly; otherwise all measurements offallendaaverage larger and it is 33 per cent heavier; rostrum and interorbital region broader in relation to remainder of skull.
In comparison withgulosa, skulls of males differ as follows: averaging larger in every measurement taken with no overlap in several dimensions; 50 per cent heavier; tympanic bullae with anterior margins projecting slightly below squamosals rather than flush with same; length of bulla more than, rather than about same as, that of upper tooth-rows. Considering the great difference in size, the relative proportions are remarkably alike. In females, length of inner lobe of M1 about the same; otherwise averaging larger in every measurement taken; 44 per cent lighter; relative to basilar length, tooth-rows longer, skull wider across zygomata and mastoids, rostrum and interorbital regions slightly narrower, skull shallower in plane of last upper molars.
Comparisons withhaidarum,invictaandanguinaeare made in accounts of those subspecies.
Remarks.—Until the namefallendawas proposed in the course of the present study, most of the specimens of this race were assigned tostreatori.
Intergradation withstreatoriis complete as it is also withinvictaandrichardsonii, in other words with each of the subspecies whose ranges meet that offallenda. In color and in size the difference is least betweenstreatoriandfallenda. As betweenfallendaandinvictathe size is not greatly different and the intergradation in color is gradual. Betweenfallendaandrichardsoniiintergradation is somewhat different and to fully appreciate its nature we should remember that the color offallendaresembles that of the saturate coastal races,streatori,anguinaeandolympicaalthough the black tip of the tail is longer. In this latter feature and in several cranial details, as well as in greater degree of secondary sexual variation in size,fallendaresemblesrichardsonii. Because the two differ more than do most subspecies of ermine whose ranges meet, some of the intergrades at first inspection appear to be widely different from either parent stock. For example, specimens from Alta Lake, British Columbia, may give this impression because the combination of large size and dark color suggests a kind of ermine different from eitherfallendaorrichardsonii. In no instance, however, has there been found in these intergrades any character other than those occurring in one or the other of the two parent races.
Along the coast in the north part of the geographic range assigned tofallenda, some specimens nearly typical ofrichardsoniihave been taken so near to the place where fairly typicalfallendawas obtained that I have doubted whether there is intergradation in the usual fashion in this area; more specimens will have to be obtained from this coastal area to resolve the doubt one way or the other.
The winter pelage is brown in all specimens at most localities. The only white pelage seen was in each of three specimens from Glacier, Whatcom County, Washington. A fourth specimen from there is in brown winter pelage. At any one locality there is much variation in the degree to which the dark color of the upper parts encroaches on the area that in most other races is light-colored. An extreme degree of encroachment is shown by a specimen taken on December 1, 1935, by R. A. Cummings, at Vancouver, British Columbia, in which the light color occurs only in three restricted areas, the chin, the throat and the lower breast; otherwise the coat is brown. There are other specimens, for instance from the type locality, which differ mainly in having an additional white spot in the inguinal region. The opposite extreme, in a specimen also from the type locality, is where the least width of the light-colored underparts on the abdominal region is a third of the circumference of the body. The two extremes are connected by a dozen intermediate stages. Of 64 specimens in which the color of the lips was carefully examined, one, from Vancouver, has both the upper and lower-lips brown; 9 have both the upper and lower-lips white; and 54 have the upper lips brown and the lower lips white.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 72, arranged by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the National Museum of Canada.British Columbia.Horseshoe Lake, Stillwater, 2; Vancouver, 1[74]; Point Grey, 1[31]; Port Moody, 5[91]; Chilliwack, 8 (2[75], 4[91], 1[60]); Sumas, 19 (18[75], 1[60]); Thurstons Ranch, 2; Cultus Lake, 2; Mt. Baker Range, 5[75]; Lihumption Park, 1; Huntingdon, 14; Tami Hy Creek, 1.Washington.Whatcom County: Semiahmoo, 1[91]; New Whatcom, 1[68]; Lake Whatcom, 2[91]; 5 mi. W Glacier, 1[51]; Glacier (3 at 900 ft.), 4[91]; E Side Easton Glacier, Mt. Baker, 1[55]; Morovitz Guard Station, 831 ft., 1[55].
Specimens examined.—Total number, 72, arranged by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the National Museum of Canada.
British Columbia.Horseshoe Lake, Stillwater, 2; Vancouver, 1[74]; Point Grey, 1[31]; Port Moody, 5[91]; Chilliwack, 8 (2[75], 4[91], 1[60]); Sumas, 19 (18[75], 1[60]); Thurstons Ranch, 2; Cultus Lake, 2; Mt. Baker Range, 5[75]; Lihumption Park, 1; Huntingdon, 14; Tami Hy Creek, 1.
Washington.Whatcom County: Semiahmoo, 1[91]; New Whatcom, 1[68]; Lake Whatcom, 2[91]; 5 mi. W Glacier, 1[51]; Glacier (3 at 900 ft.), 4[91]; E Side Easton Glacier, Mt. Baker, 1[55]; Morovitz Guard Station, 831 ft., 1[55].
Ermine
Plates5,6,7,12,13and14
Mustela erminea olympicaHall, Journ. Mamm., 26:81, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.Mustela rixosa, Svihla and Svihla, Murrelet, 13:24, January, 1932.Mustela rixosa rixosa, Svihla and Svihla, Murrelet, 14:39, May, 1933.
Mustela erminea olympicaHall, Journ. Mamm., 26:81, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Mustela rixosa, Svihla and Svihla, Murrelet, 13:24, January, 1932.
Mustela rixosa rixosa, Svihla and Svihla, Murrelet, 14:39, May, 1933.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 90738, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; near head of Soleduc River, 4500 ft., Olympic Mountains, Clallam County, Washington; April 28, 1897; obtained by Vernon Bailey, original no. 6213.The skin is well prepared and in good condition. The skull (plates5-7) is unbroken and the teeth all are present and entire.Range.—Olympic Peninsula, Washington, south to Olympia. See figures25,27on pages 95, 149.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. anguinae, in males, by lesser average size, hind foot ordinarily less than 33.4, and interorbital breadth ordinarily less than 8.5, in females by smaller size, total length less than 235, tail less than 65, hind foot less than 27.5, basilar length less than 30.2; fromM. e. fallenda, in males, by length of hind foot less than 33, black tip of tail less than 36.5, weight of skull less than 1.2 grams, basilar length less than 33.5, in females length of hind foot less than 25.5, weight of skull less than 0.6 grams, basilar length less than 28.4; fromM. e. streatoriby smaller size, in males hind foot less than 33.0, basilar length ordinarily less than 32.5, in females by hind foot ordinarily not longer than 24, by breadth of rostrum less than 8.6, depth of braincase at posterior border of upper molars less than 7.6.Description.—Size.—Male: Twelve individuals of adult proportions yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 243 (205-269); length of tail, 65 (60-74); length of hind foot, 31 (29-32).Female: Corresponding measurements of six females are: 196 (188-208), 52 (45-60?), 23.4 (22.7-24.0). An adult weighs 30 grams.Color.—As described inMustela erminea streatoriexcept that least width of color of underparts averaging, in 12 males of adult proportions, 5 (0-11) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging, in same series, 26 (20-35) mm., which is 40 (31-58) per cent (average the same as instreatori) of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull.—Male (based on 5 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.0 (0.9-1.1) grams; basilar length, 31.8 (30.6-32.5); length of tooth-rows more or less than (about equal to) length of tympanic bulla.Female (illustrated by 3 adults): See measurements and plates12-14. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.55 (0.52-0.58) grams; basilar length, 27.1 (26.7-27.5); breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 90738, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; near head of Soleduc River, 4500 ft., Olympic Mountains, Clallam County, Washington; April 28, 1897; obtained by Vernon Bailey, original no. 6213.
The skin is well prepared and in good condition. The skull (plates5-7) is unbroken and the teeth all are present and entire.
Range.—Olympic Peninsula, Washington, south to Olympia. See figures25,27on pages 95, 149.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. anguinae, in males, by lesser average size, hind foot ordinarily less than 33.4, and interorbital breadth ordinarily less than 8.5, in females by smaller size, total length less than 235, tail less than 65, hind foot less than 27.5, basilar length less than 30.2; fromM. e. fallenda, in males, by length of hind foot less than 33, black tip of tail less than 36.5, weight of skull less than 1.2 grams, basilar length less than 33.5, in females length of hind foot less than 25.5, weight of skull less than 0.6 grams, basilar length less than 28.4; fromM. e. streatoriby smaller size, in males hind foot less than 33.0, basilar length ordinarily less than 32.5, in females by hind foot ordinarily not longer than 24, by breadth of rostrum less than 8.6, depth of braincase at posterior border of upper molars less than 7.6.
Description.—Size.—Male: Twelve individuals of adult proportions yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 243 (205-269); length of tail, 65 (60-74); length of hind foot, 31 (29-32).
Female: Corresponding measurements of six females are: 196 (188-208), 52 (45-60?), 23.4 (22.7-24.0). An adult weighs 30 grams.
Color.—As described inMustela erminea streatoriexcept that least width of color of underparts averaging, in 12 males of adult proportions, 5 (0-11) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging, in same series, 26 (20-35) mm., which is 40 (31-58) per cent (average the same as instreatori) of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull.—Male (based on 5 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.0 (0.9-1.1) grams; basilar length, 31.8 (30.6-32.5); length of tooth-rows more or less than (about equal to) length of tympanic bulla.
Female (illustrated by 3 adults): See measurements and plates12-14. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.55 (0.52-0.58) grams; basilar length, 27.1 (26.7-27.5); breadth of rostrum more than 30 per cent of basilar length.
In comparison withstreatori, skulls of corresponding sex average smaller in every measurement taken with no overlap in most of those of females. Exception is to be made for the inner lobe of M1 in males where the size is the same. By weight males are smaller by 10 per cent and females by 14 per cent. In relation to other parts of the skull the tympanic bullae are narrower and in females they are shorter as well. Comparison withanguinaeandfallendahas been made in the accounts of those subspecies.
Remarks.—The smaller size, especially of females, is the principal feature distinguishing this race fromstreatori. On the basis of available data the female ofolympicais smaller than that of any other race and hence is the smallest adult weasel of the specieserminea, in either the Old World or in America.
Intergradation withstreatoriis indicated by specimens from the southern end of Puget Sound. These specimens are intermediate in size between typical examples of the two races concerned.
The color of the upper parts is uniform and the color pattern varies less than in geographically adjoining races. The white color of the underparts is restricted to a thin line on the abdominal region, but widens out posteriorly in the inguinal region and anteriorly over the pectoral region, throat, chin and lower lips. The upper lips are brown. The brown of the upper parts extends around in front of each foreleg, the two brown areas not quite meeting on the lower throat. The above description applies to each of the 19 specimens examined with regard to these details. Every specimen seen in the winter coat was brown, not white.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 20, arranged by counties from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the U. S. National Museum.Washington.Clallam County: Clallam Bay, 2 (1[74], 1[94]); Elwha, 2[10]; Johnsons Ranch, 1[60]; Happy Lake, 1[60]; Boulder Lake, 2[60]; near head of Soleduc River, 4500 ft., 1; 12 mi. S Port Angeles, 1[10].Jefferson County: Hayes Cr., 2000 ft., Elwha River, 2; head N Fork Quinault River, 4000 ft., 1; Duckabush, 3; N Fork Skokomish River, 1.Mason County: Lake Cushman, 2[76]; 4 mi. S Olympia, 1.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 20, arranged by counties from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the U. S. National Museum.
Washington.Clallam County: Clallam Bay, 2 (1[74], 1[94]); Elwha, 2[10]; Johnsons Ranch, 1[60]; Happy Lake, 1[60]; Boulder Lake, 2[60]; near head of Soleduc River, 4500 ft., 1; 12 mi. S Port Angeles, 1[10].Jefferson County: Hayes Cr., 2000 ft., Elwha River, 2; head N Fork Quinault River, 4000 ft., 1; Duckabush, 3; N Fork Skokomish River, 1.Mason County: Lake Cushman, 2[76]; 4 mi. S Olympia, 1.
Ermine
Plates5,6,7,12,13and14
Putorius streatori, Merriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:13, pl. 2, figs. 5, 5a, 6, 6a, June 30, 1896.Putorius cicognanii, Baird, Mamm. N. Amer., p. 161, 1858 (part unless no. 2395 was a female ofM. frenata).Putorius pusillus, Baird, Mamm. N. Amer., p. 159, 1858 (part).Putorius(Gale)vulgaris, Coues, Fur-bearing animals, p. 102, 1877 (part).Mustela streatori streatori, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:96, December 31, 1912; Grinnell, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 40:101, September 26, 1933.Mustela cicognanii streatori, Hall, Murrelet, 12:22, January, 1931; Hall, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 38:417, November 8, 1932.Mustela erminea streatori, Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:77, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.Mustela rixosa, Beer, Journ. Mamm., 29:296, August 31, 1948.
Putorius streatori, Merriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:13, pl. 2, figs. 5, 5a, 6, 6a, June 30, 1896.
Putorius cicognanii, Baird, Mamm. N. Amer., p. 161, 1858 (part unless no. 2395 was a female ofM. frenata).
Putorius pusillus, Baird, Mamm. N. Amer., p. 159, 1858 (part).
Putorius(Gale)vulgaris, Coues, Fur-bearing animals, p. 102, 1877 (part).
Mustela streatori streatori, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:96, December 31, 1912; Grinnell, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 40:101, September 26, 1933.
Mustela cicognanii streatori, Hall, Murrelet, 12:22, January, 1931; Hall, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 38:417, November 8, 1932.
Mustela erminea streatori, Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:77, February 27, 1945; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Mustela rixosa, Beer, Journ. Mamm., 29:296, August 31, 1948.