Remarks.—This geographic race has long borne the name ofMustela arizonensis(Mearns). Small size differentiatesefferafromnevadensisand specimens have been allocated to one or the other subspecies on the basis of size, or average size when several individuals are available from one locality. Complete intergradation with each adjoining subspecies is indicated by numerous specimens, more of which are assigned to these adjoining subspecies than toefferaitself.
The minimum of size inM. f. efferais found in the Blue Mountain region of northeastern Oregon. Specimens from the area intervening between these mountains and the Cascades average larger but are nearer the mean of typicalefferathan they are to the means ofwashingtoni,oregonensisornevadensis.
Two males, nos. 204883, adult, and 204884, young, from Sisters, Oregon, near the eastern base of the Cascades, show approach structurally toM. f. washingtonias it is represented at the nearby locality, Permilia Lake, at the west base of Mount Jefferson. Everything considered, however, the two specimens from Sisters are nearer toeffera. A male from Condon, Oregon, shows approach to the Cascade race in slightly increased size.
No perfect skulls of adult females are available from the part of northwestern Oregon in whichefferareaches its typical state of development as judged by the small size of the skull of the adult male. Skulls of adult females are available, however, from more nearly marginal localities. These, though smaller than innevadensis, show relatively less difference in size when compared withnevadensisthan do skulls of males. Even so the females at these marginal localities are smaller than those ofnevadensisof comparable age and adequate material of adult femaleefferafrom the region where the males attain their extreme of small size probably will show about the same relative difference in size betweennevadensisandefferaas is known to exist between the adult males of these two subspecies. The small size of a subadult female, no 74631, U. S. Nat. Mus., from Asotin, Washington, constitutes partial basis for this opinion.
Of 14 adults examined none showed malformation of the frontal sinuses due to infestation by parasites.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 53, arranged within each state by counties from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated specimens are in the collection of the United States National Museum.Oregon.Wasco County: 4 mi. S The Dalles, 1[74]; Wapinita, 1; Antelope, 2; 7 mi. E Antelope, 5.Gilliam County: Condon, 1[46].Morrow County: 10 mi. S Hardman, 1.Umatilla County: Umatilla, 2; 15 mi. E Ukiah, 4000 ft., 1[49].Union County: Elgin, 1; 20 mi. E Lehman, 1[46].Wallowa County: Horse Creek, 15 mi. N Paradise, 1; Enterprise, 1[46]; Wallowa Lake, 1[46]; Wallowa Mts., 8300 ft., 1.Baker County: Haines, 1[49]; Anthony, 3[2]; Bourne, 2.Grant County: Long Creek, 1[46]; Canyon Creek, 1[46]; Strawberry Mts., 2; Silvies, 1[14].Crook County: Prineville, 4.Deschutes County: Sisters, 2; Bend, 1.Lake County: 3 mi. W Stauffer, 1; Fort Rock, 1[46].Harney County: 25 mi. NW Burns, 1.Malheur County: 4000 ft., Ironside, 2[2]; 1-1/2 mi. S Vale, 2.Washington.Walla Walla County: Prescott, 4 (2[76], 1[60], 1[74]); Ft. Walla Walla, 2 (1[75]); Wallula, 1[76].Asotin County: Asotin, 1.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 53, arranged within each state by counties from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated specimens are in the collection of the United States National Museum.
Oregon.Wasco County: 4 mi. S The Dalles, 1[74]; Wapinita, 1; Antelope, 2; 7 mi. E Antelope, 5.Gilliam County: Condon, 1[46].Morrow County: 10 mi. S Hardman, 1.Umatilla County: Umatilla, 2; 15 mi. E Ukiah, 4000 ft., 1[49].Union County: Elgin, 1; 20 mi. E Lehman, 1[46].Wallowa County: Horse Creek, 15 mi. N Paradise, 1; Enterprise, 1[46]; Wallowa Lake, 1[46]; Wallowa Mts., 8300 ft., 1.Baker County: Haines, 1[49]; Anthony, 3[2]; Bourne, 2.Grant County: Long Creek, 1[46]; Canyon Creek, 1[46]; Strawberry Mts., 2; Silvies, 1[14].Crook County: Prineville, 4.Deschutes County: Sisters, 2; Bend, 1.Lake County: 3 mi. W Stauffer, 1; Fort Rock, 1[46].Harney County: 25 mi. NW Burns, 1.Malheur County: 4000 ft., Ironside, 2[2]; 1-1/2 mi. S Vale, 2.
Washington.Walla Walla County: Prescott, 4 (2[76], 1[60], 1[74]); Ft. Walla Walla, 2 (1[75]); Wallula, 1[76].Asotin County: Asotin, 1.
Long-tailed Weasel
Plates19,20,21,34,35and36
Putorius washingtoniMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:18, pl. 4, figs. 3, 3a, 4, 4a, June 30, 1896.Mustela washingtoni, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98, December 31, 1912.Mustela frenata washingtoni, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:106, November 20, 1936.
Putorius washingtoniMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:18, pl. 4, figs. 3, 3a, 4, 4a, June 30, 1896.
Mustela washingtoni, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98, December 31, 1912.
Mustela frenata washingtoni, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:106, November 20, 1936.
Type.—Male, adult, skin and skull; no. 76322, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Trout Lake, Mt. Adams, Klickitat (?) County, Washington; December 15, 1895; obtained by D. N. Kaegi; original no. 2.The skull is unbroken. The left incisors above are missing. Otherwise the teeth are present and entire. The skin is well made, in brown winter pelage, lacks collector's measurements, has no bones in the feet, but by large size is judged to be a male.Range.—Altitudinally from near 2000 feet at Trout Lake up to the highest parts of the Cascade Range from Mount Jefferson, Oregon, north to Mount Rainier, Washington; Upper Sonoran Life-zone to Arctic Alpine Life-zone. See figure29on page221.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. altifrontalisin lighter color of upper parts and underparts, latter ranging from Buff-Yellow to Naples Yellow rather than near (14ato 16c) Ochraceous-Buff, in shallower skull in both sexes (see measurements), in males, a longer preorbital region, narrower skull with shorter bullae, and in females, a smaller skull with interorbital breadth averaging less than 24 per cent of basilar length; fromM. f. nevadensisin absence of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, in skulls of males, by longer preorbital region and narrower skull across mastoid processes and zygomatic arches, in skulls of females, by shorter preorbital region, and smaller bullae (see measurements); fromM. f. efferain absence of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, in skulls of males, by linear measurements averaging 7 (5-12) per cent larger, and relative to basilar length, longer in the preorbital region and narrower across mastoid processes and zygomatic arches; fromM. f. oregonensisin absence of frontonasal white patch, longer skull in males, which in percentage of basilar length has, on the average, orbitonasal length amounting to more than 35, mastoid breadth less than 55, and zygomatic breadth less than 63, and in females, smaller skull with least width of palate less than length of P4, upper tooth-rows less than 38-1/2 per cent of basilar length, bullae smaller, averaging less than 13.4 in length.Description.—Size.—Male: Fifteen subadult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 400 (357-437); length of tail, 149 (122-171); length of hind foot, 47.6 (42-59). Tail averages 59 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot averaging more than basal length. Corresponding measurements of one adult and 3 young from Mount Rainier are: 415 (405-423); 155 (145-164); 51 (50-53).Female: Five adult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 349 (330-393); length of tail, 124 (114-133); length of hind foot, 38 (36-39). Tail averages 55 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot averaging about same as basal length. Corresponding measurements of two adults and 6 young from Mount Rainier are: 338 (320-360); 121 (115-132); 36 (34-40).The average differences in external measurements of the two sexes, from Mount Adams, are: Total length, 51; length of tail, 25; length of hind foot, 9.6. Corresponding differences between the specimens from Mount Rainier are: 77; 34; 15.Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black or brown (often both colors in same specimen) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to or beyond apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles slightly less than shown in figure19.Color.—Upper parts in summer near (14n) Argus Brown or tone 4 of Burnt Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 304; one topotype Buckthorn Brown or tone 3 to 4 of Snuff Brown of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 303. Dark spot at each angle of mouth present or absent, and when present, often fused with color of upper parts, which rarely covers lower lips. Chin, and usually lower lips, white. Remainder of underparts Buff-Yellow to Naples Yellow. In winter, all white except tip of tail which is at all times black, or upper parts near (14) Brussels Brown to near (j) Snuff Brown with smoked effect and underparts white, rarely with trace of yellowish. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and usually all of wrists, on medial sides of hind legs anywhere from knee to tips of toes. Least width of color of underparts averaging in ten topotypes, 24 (10-37) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same series averaging 55 (45-60) mm. long, thus longer than hind foot and averaging 37 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.The color of the underparts is not so narrow in the specimens from Mount Rainier and it is believed that the slender bodies used in stuffing the topotypes has accentuated in them the appearance of narrowness of the light-colored underparts.Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 22 adult topotypes): See measurements and plates19-21; weight, 3.5 (2.8-4.7) grams; basilar length, 43.7 (40.0-47.7); zygomatic breadth more or less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid breadth more or less than postpalatal length; postorbital breadth less than length of upper premolars and greater than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; interorbital breadth more or less than distance between foramen opticum and anterior margin of tympanic bullae; breadth of rostrum less (except in no. 82180) than length of tympanic bulla; least width of palate more (except in no. 81954) than length of P4; anterior margin of tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 2 to 5 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more or less than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more (except in two instances) than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and shorter (except in two instances) than rostrum; anterior margin of masseteric fossa below m2.Female (based on 11 ad. topotypes): See measurements and plates34-36; weight, 2.0 (1.8-2.2) grams; basilar length, 37.6 (37.0-38.9); zygomatic breadth less (except in no. 70945) than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; postorbital breadth less than length of upper premolars and more than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; least width of palate less (except in one specimen) than greatest length of P4; tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3-1/2 to 5-1/2 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more or less than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and longer or shorter than rostrum.
Type.—Male, adult, skin and skull; no. 76322, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Trout Lake, Mt. Adams, Klickitat (?) County, Washington; December 15, 1895; obtained by D. N. Kaegi; original no. 2.
The skull is unbroken. The left incisors above are missing. Otherwise the teeth are present and entire. The skin is well made, in brown winter pelage, lacks collector's measurements, has no bones in the feet, but by large size is judged to be a male.
Range.—Altitudinally from near 2000 feet at Trout Lake up to the highest parts of the Cascade Range from Mount Jefferson, Oregon, north to Mount Rainier, Washington; Upper Sonoran Life-zone to Arctic Alpine Life-zone. See figure29on page221.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. altifrontalisin lighter color of upper parts and underparts, latter ranging from Buff-Yellow to Naples Yellow rather than near (14ato 16c) Ochraceous-Buff, in shallower skull in both sexes (see measurements), in males, a longer preorbital region, narrower skull with shorter bullae, and in females, a smaller skull with interorbital breadth averaging less than 24 per cent of basilar length; fromM. f. nevadensisin absence of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, in skulls of males, by longer preorbital region and narrower skull across mastoid processes and zygomatic arches, in skulls of females, by shorter preorbital region, and smaller bullae (see measurements); fromM. f. efferain absence of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, in skulls of males, by linear measurements averaging 7 (5-12) per cent larger, and relative to basilar length, longer in the preorbital region and narrower across mastoid processes and zygomatic arches; fromM. f. oregonensisin absence of frontonasal white patch, longer skull in males, which in percentage of basilar length has, on the average, orbitonasal length amounting to more than 35, mastoid breadth less than 55, and zygomatic breadth less than 63, and in females, smaller skull with least width of palate less than length of P4, upper tooth-rows less than 38-1/2 per cent of basilar length, bullae smaller, averaging less than 13.4 in length.
Description.—Size.—Male: Fifteen subadult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 400 (357-437); length of tail, 149 (122-171); length of hind foot, 47.6 (42-59). Tail averages 59 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot averaging more than basal length. Corresponding measurements of one adult and 3 young from Mount Rainier are: 415 (405-423); 155 (145-164); 51 (50-53).
Female: Five adult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 349 (330-393); length of tail, 124 (114-133); length of hind foot, 38 (36-39). Tail averages 55 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot averaging about same as basal length. Corresponding measurements of two adults and 6 young from Mount Rainier are: 338 (320-360); 121 (115-132); 36 (34-40).
The average differences in external measurements of the two sexes, from Mount Adams, are: Total length, 51; length of tail, 25; length of hind foot, 9.6. Corresponding differences between the specimens from Mount Rainier are: 77; 34; 15.
Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black or brown (often both colors in same specimen) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to or beyond apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles slightly less than shown in figure19.
Color.—Upper parts in summer near (14n) Argus Brown or tone 4 of Burnt Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 304; one topotype Buckthorn Brown or tone 3 to 4 of Snuff Brown of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 303. Dark spot at each angle of mouth present or absent, and when present, often fused with color of upper parts, which rarely covers lower lips. Chin, and usually lower lips, white. Remainder of underparts Buff-Yellow to Naples Yellow. In winter, all white except tip of tail which is at all times black, or upper parts near (14) Brussels Brown to near (j) Snuff Brown with smoked effect and underparts white, rarely with trace of yellowish. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and usually all of wrists, on medial sides of hind legs anywhere from knee to tips of toes. Least width of color of underparts averaging in ten topotypes, 24 (10-37) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same series averaging 55 (45-60) mm. long, thus longer than hind foot and averaging 37 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
The color of the underparts is not so narrow in the specimens from Mount Rainier and it is believed that the slender bodies used in stuffing the topotypes has accentuated in them the appearance of narrowness of the light-colored underparts.
Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 22 adult topotypes): See measurements and plates19-21; weight, 3.5 (2.8-4.7) grams; basilar length, 43.7 (40.0-47.7); zygomatic breadth more or less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid breadth more or less than postpalatal length; postorbital breadth less than length of upper premolars and greater than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; interorbital breadth more or less than distance between foramen opticum and anterior margin of tympanic bullae; breadth of rostrum less (except in no. 82180) than length of tympanic bulla; least width of palate more (except in no. 81954) than length of P4; anterior margin of tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 2 to 5 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more or less than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more (except in two instances) than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and shorter (except in two instances) than rostrum; anterior margin of masseteric fossa below m2.
Female (based on 11 ad. topotypes): See measurements and plates34-36; weight, 2.0 (1.8-2.2) grams; basilar length, 37.6 (37.0-38.9); zygomatic breadth less (except in no. 70945) than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; postorbital breadth less than length of upper premolars and more than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; least width of palate less (except in one specimen) than greatest length of P4; tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3-1/2 to 5-1/2 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more or less than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and longer or shorter than rostrum.
Compared withM. f. nevadensis, the skull of the male ofwashingtoniaverages more slender, as shown by the mastoid and zygomatic breadths and has the preorbital part longer, on the average, as shown by the greater ratio (to the basilar length) of the length of the tooth-rows and orbitonasal length. Also, on the average, the postorbital constriction is longer than innevadensisand the tympanic bullae are smaller. In females, the skull is lighter, the tooth-rows are shorter, the tympanic bullae are smaller, and the preorbital part of the skull is shorter and narrower as shown by the orbitonasal length and interorbital breadth. Except that the tympanic bullae are actually, although not relatively, smaller in males ofeffera, it differs fromwashingtoniin the same way as doesnevadensisas regards relative proportions, but, of course, the actual difference in size is greater sinceefferais smaller thannevadensis. Comparison of the skull with that oforegonensisis made in the account of that subspecies.
Remarks.—M. f. washingtoniwas described and named in 1896 by Merriam as a distinct species. Subsequently, specimens which here are regarded as intergrades betweenaltifrontalisandnevadensis, were classified aswashingtoni.
The external measurements given for the specimens from Mount Adams are those recorded on the labels in inches and fractions thereof. Instead of total length there sometimes is written "tip to tip." In the series of 19 winter-taken topotypes the hairs project beyond the end of the caudal vertebrae for an average distance of 28 (19-40) millimeters. If the hairs on the end of the tail were included in the measurements, 28 millimeters should be subtracted from the averages. Probably the measurements should stand as given, since an adult male topotype, no. 226758, U. S. Nat. Mus., taken subsequently by Walter P. Taylor measures 405; 152; 51.
Mustela frenata washingtoniis not a strongly marked geographic race. In many features it is intermediate betweenM. f. altifrontalisandM. f. nevadensis. This is especially true of coloration. In the series from Mount Adams and that from Mount Rainier, some individuals have the light color of the underparts extended down the hind legs over the feet and over the proximal face of the ventral third of the tail as innevadensis, whereas others from the same place have the light color of the underparts absent from the tail and extending no farther down the hind limbs than the knees. The light color of the underparts in the series of topotypes is so restricted that the transverse extent at the narrowest place amounts to only 24 (10-37) per cent of the greatest width of the color of the upper parts. This narrowness of the color of the underparts has been likened by Merriam (1896:18) to the condition inMustela frenata noveboracensis. So it is, but it is similar to the condition found also in the geographically adjoiningM. f. altifrontalis.
Of the 37 skulls of subadults and a few adults, 11 had the frontal sinuses malformed as a result of infestation by parasites.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 56, arranged within each state by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated specimens are in the collection of the United States National Museum.Oregon.Mt. Jefferson, Permilia Lake, 1.Washington.Pierce County: 5500 ft., Spray Park, Mt. Rainier, 1; Spray Park, 1[74]; 5935 ft., Glacier Basin, Mt. Rainier, 5 (1[10]); 5051 to 5100 ft., Owyhigh Lakes, Mt. Rainier, 7 (1[10]), Tahoma Creek, 1[72]; Nisqually entrance, 1[72]; Longmire, 1[72]; Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park, 2[72].Klickitat County: Trout Lake, S Base Mt. Adams, 35; 3500 ft., Gotchen Creek, Mt. Adams, 1.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 56, arranged within each state by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated specimens are in the collection of the United States National Museum.
Oregon.Mt. Jefferson, Permilia Lake, 1.
Washington.Pierce County: 5500 ft., Spray Park, Mt. Rainier, 1; Spray Park, 1[74]; 5935 ft., Glacier Basin, Mt. Rainier, 5 (1[10]); 5051 to 5100 ft., Owyhigh Lakes, Mt. Rainier, 7 (1[10]), Tahoma Creek, 1[72]; Nisqually entrance, 1[72]; Longmire, 1[72]; Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park, 2[72].Klickitat County: Trout Lake, S Base Mt. Adams, 35; 3500 ft., Gotchen Creek, Mt. Adams, 1.
Long-tailed Weasel
Plates19,20,21and30
Putorius saturatusMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:21, June 30, 1896.Mustela saturata, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98, December 31, 1912.Mustela arizonensis saturata, Grinnell, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 40:102, September 26, 1933.Mustela frenata saturata, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:106, November 20, 1936.
Putorius saturatusMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:21, June 30, 1896.
Mustela saturata, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98, December 31, 1912.
Mustela arizonensis saturata, Grinnell, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 40:102, September 26, 1933.
Mustela frenata saturata, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:106, November 20, 1936.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 65930, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Siskiyou, Jackson County, Oregon; June 6, 1894; obtained by C. P. Streator; original no. 3905.The skull (plates19-21,30) lacks the middle part of each zygomatic arch. The teeth all are present although much worn, probably from gnawing at the trap which captured the animal. The skin, in fresh summer pelage, is fairly well made.Range.—Transition and Boreal life-zones of Siskiyou and Trinity mountains in southern Oregon and northwestern California. See figures29and30on pages 221 and 314.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. nevadensisin lacking light color of underparts on tail and ankle and in greater average breadth across mastoid processes of skull (see measurements); fromM. f. oregonensisin lacking white nasofrontal spot, in having color of underparts interrupted at ankle; fromM. f. mundain lacking white nasofrontal spot, in smaller and relatively deeper skull of males and smaller skull of the female.Description.—Size.—Male: Four adult males (the type, 1 from Mt. Ashland and 2 from Jackson Lake) yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 414 (402-437); length of tail, 150 (136-160); length of hind foot, 46 (43-50). Tail averages 57 (49-62) per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot more or less than basal length.Female: One young from the summit of the Trinity Mountains east of Hoopa and one nontypical adult from 5500 feet elevation on South Fork Mountain, Humboldt County, measure respectively as follows: Total length, 330, 325; length of tail, 115, 123; length of hind foot, 37, 37. Tail is 53 and 61 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot less than basal length.Average differences in external measurements between the two sexes, indicated by the unsatisfactory material available, are: Total length, 86; length of tail, 31; length of hind foot, 9.Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black or dark brown and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending as far as apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles, in summer pelage, as shown in figure19.Color.—Upper parts, in summer, Brussels Brown to near (n) Brussels Brown or lighter than tone 3 of Raw Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 301, usually darkest on nose and forehead. Chin white. Remainder of underparts Buff-Yellow to Warm Buff. Tip of tail black. Winter pelage unknown. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and sometimes wrists, on medial sides of hind legs only to ankles, but toes sometimes with isolated white markings. Least width of color of underparts in the type and 2 adults from Jackson Lake averaging 35 (30-40) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging 54 (53-55) mm. long; thus longer than hind foot and averaging 37 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 4 adults: Type, Mt. Ashland, 1; Jackson Lake, 2): See measurements and plates19-21,30. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 3.8 (3.5-4.3) grams; basilar length, 44.4 (42.6-45.8); zygomatic breadth more or less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid breadth more than postpalatal length; least width of palate less than medial length of P4 (except in one specimen).Female (based on one adult possibly not typical, from 5500 ft., South Fork Mt.): See measurements. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 2.2 grams; basilar length, 38.1; zygomatic breadth less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 and less than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; postorbital breadth more than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 65930, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Siskiyou, Jackson County, Oregon; June 6, 1894; obtained by C. P. Streator; original no. 3905.
The skull (plates19-21,30) lacks the middle part of each zygomatic arch. The teeth all are present although much worn, probably from gnawing at the trap which captured the animal. The skin, in fresh summer pelage, is fairly well made.
Range.—Transition and Boreal life-zones of Siskiyou and Trinity mountains in southern Oregon and northwestern California. See figures29and30on pages 221 and 314.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. nevadensisin lacking light color of underparts on tail and ankle and in greater average breadth across mastoid processes of skull (see measurements); fromM. f. oregonensisin lacking white nasofrontal spot, in having color of underparts interrupted at ankle; fromM. f. mundain lacking white nasofrontal spot, in smaller and relatively deeper skull of males and smaller skull of the female.
Description.—Size.—Male: Four adult males (the type, 1 from Mt. Ashland and 2 from Jackson Lake) yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 414 (402-437); length of tail, 150 (136-160); length of hind foot, 46 (43-50). Tail averages 57 (49-62) per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot more or less than basal length.
Female: One young from the summit of the Trinity Mountains east of Hoopa and one nontypical adult from 5500 feet elevation on South Fork Mountain, Humboldt County, measure respectively as follows: Total length, 330, 325; length of tail, 115, 123; length of hind foot, 37, 37. Tail is 53 and 61 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot less than basal length.
Average differences in external measurements between the two sexes, indicated by the unsatisfactory material available, are: Total length, 86; length of tail, 31; length of hind foot, 9.
Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black or dark brown and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending as far as apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles, in summer pelage, as shown in figure19.
Color.—Upper parts, in summer, Brussels Brown to near (n) Brussels Brown or lighter than tone 3 of Raw Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 301, usually darkest on nose and forehead. Chin white. Remainder of underparts Buff-Yellow to Warm Buff. Tip of tail black. Winter pelage unknown. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and sometimes wrists, on medial sides of hind legs only to ankles, but toes sometimes with isolated white markings. Least width of color of underparts in the type and 2 adults from Jackson Lake averaging 35 (30-40) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging 54 (53-55) mm. long; thus longer than hind foot and averaging 37 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 4 adults: Type, Mt. Ashland, 1; Jackson Lake, 2): See measurements and plates19-21,30. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 3.8 (3.5-4.3) grams; basilar length, 44.4 (42.6-45.8); zygomatic breadth more or less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid breadth more than postpalatal length; least width of palate less than medial length of P4 (except in one specimen).
Female (based on one adult possibly not typical, from 5500 ft., South Fork Mt.): See measurements. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 2.2 grams; basilar length, 38.1; zygomatic breadth less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 and less than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; postorbital breadth more than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite.
The skull of the male ofsaturata, relative to the basilar length, is broader across the mastoids and narrower across the rostrum and interorbital region than that ofnevadensis. Skull not known certainly to differ from that oforegonensis. Compared with the skull ofmunda, that of the male ofsaturatais smaller in every part measured except depth of tympanic bullae which averages 3.6 millimeters, rather than 3.5 as inmunda. Also, the skull ofsaturatahas a less-marked postorbital constriction, is less heavily ridged, less angular, does not have the impressions of the temporal muscles carried so far forward on the frontal bones and is relatively much narrower across the zygomatic arches.
Remarks.—In 1896, Merriam namedM. f. saturataas a distinct species on the basis of one specimen, taken by Clark P. Streator at Siskiyou, Oregon, and a second specimen taken the year previously by Allan C. Brooks at Chilliwack, British Columbia. On the basis of these two specimens, Merriam (1896:22) ascribed to the race a range ". . . on the Cascade and Siskiyou mountains of Oregon and Washington, reaching a short distance into British Columbia." Since that time, this name,saturata, has been employed for the dark-colored weasels, of the coastal region of Oregon, Washington, and extreme southwestern British Columbia, which here are arranged under the nameM. f. altifrontalis.M. f. saturataproves to be restricted to the humid mountainous region inland from the coast in northern California and in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon. Its range is separated by that ofM. f. oregonensisfrom the range of the darker-colored, deeper-skulled,M. f. altifrontalisof the humid costal region proper.
On May 5, 1933, Mr. Clark P. Streator, informed the writer that he remembered taking the type specimen ofMustela frenata saturata(Merriam) in the town of Siskiyou, Oregon. The exact place, he said, was reached, at the time of his work there, by going one or two blocks east of the depot, then through a garden into the thick woods where there were springs and numerous burrows of the rodent,Aplodontia. Two other weasels labeled as taken at Siskiyou, on September 28 and 29, 1893, by Mr. Streator, are much lighter colored than the type ofsaturataand have the color of the underparts extended distally on the hind legs to the tips of the toes and in other features of coloration are more likenevadensis, the subspecies to which they are referred, thansaturata. Probably these did not come from exactly the same place that the type specimen ofsaturatadid. Although Mr. Streator does not remember the taking of these particular specimens in 1893, he does remember that on this visit to Siskiyou, he walked southward through the railroad tunnel and collected on the opposite side of the ridge from Siskiyou. Here on more southern exposures, the country was markedly different than in the thick forest at Siskiyou. Probably these two specimens taken in 1893, and referred tonevadensis, came from a little way south of Siskiyou and from a different habitat and life-zone than the type specimen ofM. f. saturata.
Of the 6 specimens examined, only one, the type, shows malformation of the frontal sinuses such as result from infestation by parasites.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 6, as follows:California.Siskiyou County: Jackson Lake, 5900 ft., 2, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.Humboldt County: South Fork Mt., 5500 ft., 1, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.Countyin question, Trinity Mts., summit east of Hoopa, 5800 ft., 1, U. S. Nat. Mus.Oregon.Jackson County: Mt. Ashland, 1, Univ. Oreg.; Siskiyou, 1, U. S. Nat. Mus.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 6, as follows:
California.Siskiyou County: Jackson Lake, 5900 ft., 2, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.Humboldt County: South Fork Mt., 5500 ft., 1, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.Countyin question, Trinity Mts., summit east of Hoopa, 5800 ft., 1, U. S. Nat. Mus.
Oregon.Jackson County: Mt. Ashland, 1, Univ. Oreg.; Siskiyou, 1, U. S. Nat. Mus.
Long-tailed Weasel
Plates1,19,20,21,34,35and36
Mustela frenata altifrontalisHall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:94, November 20, 1936.Putorius (Gale) brasiliensis frenatus, Coues, Fur-bearing animals, p. 142, 1877 (part).Putorius saturatusMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:21, June 30, 1896 (part).Mustela saturata, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98, December 31, 1912.
Mustela frenata altifrontalisHall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:94, November 20, 1936.
Putorius (Gale) brasiliensis frenatus, Coues, Fur-bearing animals, p. 142, 1877 (part).
Putorius saturatusMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:21, June 30, 1896 (part).
Mustela saturata, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:98, December 31, 1912.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 42093, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Tillamook, Tillamook County, Oregon; July 10, 1928; obtained by Alex Walker; original no. 717.The skull is complete and unbroken. P3 on the left side is missing; otherwise the teeth all are present and entire. The skin is well made and the enlarged scrotal pouch shows the collector's sexing of the specimen to have been correct.Range.—Altitudinally from sea level up to at least 4800 feet (Mount Baker) in the Transition Life-zone of the humid, coastal region of Oregon, Washington and extreme southwestern British Columbia. See figure29on page221.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. nevadensisin tone 4 of Brownish Drab, pl. 302, rather than tones 1-3, of Raw Umber, pl. 301, of Oberthür and Dauthenay of upper parts, in near (14a´to 16c´) Ochraceous-Buff rather than Buff-Yellow to Straw Yellow of underparts, in that least width of color of underparts amounts to less than 37 per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts, in absence of color of underparts on ventral side of tail and on hind leg distal to knee, and in greater depth of skull through frontal region; fromM. f. washingtoniin darker color of upper parts and underparts, latter near (14a´ to 16c´) Ochraceous-Buff rather than ranging from Buff-Yellow to Naples Yellow, in deeper skull in both sexes (see measurements), in males a shorter preorbital region, broader skull with longer bullae and in females a larger skull with interorbital breadth averaging more than 24 per cent of basilar length; fromM. f. oregonensisin frontonasal white patch absent, color above darker (tone 4 of Brownish Drab, pl. 302, rather than tone 2 to 3 of Raw Umber, pl. 301 of Oberthür and Dauthenay), light-colored underparts narrower and not extended distally beyond knee, in females tooth-row shorter, amounting to less than 38 per cent of basilar length.Description.—Size.—Male: Eight adult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 426 (392-445); length of tail, 160 (148-170); length of hind foot, 47 (42-53). Tail averages 60 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot averages more than basal length.Female: Five adults from Tillamook and Blaine, Oregon, yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 347 (320-370); length of tail, 125 (114-131); length of hind foot, 38 (35-44). Tail averages 56 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot less than basal length.The average differences in the external measurements are: Total length, 79; length of tail, 35; length of hind foot, 9.Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black, brown or white (often all three colors in same specimen) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to or beyond apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles (in summer pledge) slightly less than shown in figure19.Color.—Upper parts, in summer, near (n) Argus Brown or tone 4 of Brownish Drab of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 302. Dark spot at each angle of mouth well developed; often fused with color of upper parts which sometimes covers lower lips. Chin white. Remainder of underparts near (14a´to 16c´) Ochraceous-Buff. In winter, upper parts near (14) Argus Brown with smoked effect and Warm Buff to Naples Yellow below. Tip of tail at all times black. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and usually all of wrists, on medial side of hind legs typically only to knee but sometimes to ankle. Tips of toes of hind feet almost always marked with color of underparts. Least width of color of underparts averaging in a series of 14 males from Blaine, Oregon, 23 (14-36) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in 8 adult males from Blaine, Oregon, averaging 59 (47-70) mm. long; thus longer than hind foot and averaging 37 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 9 adults from Blaine, Tillamook Co., Oregon): See measurements and plates19-21; weight, 4.4 (3.3-5.3) grams; basilar length, 45.6 (42.4-47.7); zygomatic breadth more or less (usually more) than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid breadth more or less (usually more) than postpalatal length; postorbital breadth less (except in some instances of malformations of frontal sinuses which result from infestation by parasites) than length of upper premolars and more or less than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; interorbital breadth more or less than distance between foramen opticum and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum less than length of tympanic bulla; least width of palate more or less than length of P4; anterior margin of tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3 to 4 (including I3) upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and more or less than orbitonasal length; anterior margin of masseteric fossa directly below m2.Female (based on 4 adults): See measurements and plates34-36; weight, 2.2 (2.2-2.3) grams; basilar length, 38.1 (37.8-39.7); zygomatic breadth more or less (less in three of four specimens) than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; relation of postorbital breadth to other measurements in doubt because of malformation of frontal sinuses by parasites; least width of palate not less than greatest length of P4; tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3-1/2 to 5-1/2 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and longer or shorter than rostrum.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 42093, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Tillamook, Tillamook County, Oregon; July 10, 1928; obtained by Alex Walker; original no. 717.
The skull is complete and unbroken. P3 on the left side is missing; otherwise the teeth all are present and entire. The skin is well made and the enlarged scrotal pouch shows the collector's sexing of the specimen to have been correct.
Range.—Altitudinally from sea level up to at least 4800 feet (Mount Baker) in the Transition Life-zone of the humid, coastal region of Oregon, Washington and extreme southwestern British Columbia. See figure29on page221.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. nevadensisin tone 4 of Brownish Drab, pl. 302, rather than tones 1-3, of Raw Umber, pl. 301, of Oberthür and Dauthenay of upper parts, in near (14a´to 16c´) Ochraceous-Buff rather than Buff-Yellow to Straw Yellow of underparts, in that least width of color of underparts amounts to less than 37 per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts, in absence of color of underparts on ventral side of tail and on hind leg distal to knee, and in greater depth of skull through frontal region; fromM. f. washingtoniin darker color of upper parts and underparts, latter near (14a´ to 16c´) Ochraceous-Buff rather than ranging from Buff-Yellow to Naples Yellow, in deeper skull in both sexes (see measurements), in males a shorter preorbital region, broader skull with longer bullae and in females a larger skull with interorbital breadth averaging more than 24 per cent of basilar length; fromM. f. oregonensisin frontonasal white patch absent, color above darker (tone 4 of Brownish Drab, pl. 302, rather than tone 2 to 3 of Raw Umber, pl. 301 of Oberthür and Dauthenay), light-colored underparts narrower and not extended distally beyond knee, in females tooth-row shorter, amounting to less than 38 per cent of basilar length.
Description.—Size.—Male: Eight adult topotypes yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 426 (392-445); length of tail, 160 (148-170); length of hind foot, 47 (42-53). Tail averages 60 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot averages more than basal length.
Female: Five adults from Tillamook and Blaine, Oregon, yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 347 (320-370); length of tail, 125 (114-131); length of hind foot, 38 (35-44). Tail averages 56 per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot less than basal length.
The average differences in the external measurements are: Total length, 79; length of tail, 35; length of hind foot, 9.
Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black, brown or white (often all three colors in same specimen) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to or beyond apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles (in summer pledge) slightly less than shown in figure19.
Color.—Upper parts, in summer, near (n) Argus Brown or tone 4 of Brownish Drab of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 302. Dark spot at each angle of mouth well developed; often fused with color of upper parts which sometimes covers lower lips. Chin white. Remainder of underparts near (14a´to 16c´) Ochraceous-Buff. In winter, upper parts near (14) Argus Brown with smoked effect and Warm Buff to Naples Yellow below. Tip of tail at all times black. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and usually all of wrists, on medial side of hind legs typically only to knee but sometimes to ankle. Tips of toes of hind feet almost always marked with color of underparts. Least width of color of underparts averaging in a series of 14 males from Blaine, Oregon, 23 (14-36) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in 8 adult males from Blaine, Oregon, averaging 59 (47-70) mm. long; thus longer than hind foot and averaging 37 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 9 adults from Blaine, Tillamook Co., Oregon): See measurements and plates19-21; weight, 4.4 (3.3-5.3) grams; basilar length, 45.6 (42.4-47.7); zygomatic breadth more or less (usually more) than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; mastoid breadth more or less (usually more) than postpalatal length; postorbital breadth less (except in some instances of malformations of frontal sinuses which result from infestation by parasites) than length of upper premolars and more or less than width of basioccipital measured from medial margin of one foramen lacerum posterior to its opposite; interorbital breadth more or less than distance between foramen opticum and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum less than length of tympanic bulla; least width of palate more or less than length of P4; anterior margin of tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3 to 4 (including I3) upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and more or less than orbitonasal length; anterior margin of masseteric fossa directly below m2.
Female (based on 4 adults): See measurements and plates34-36; weight, 2.2 (2.2-2.3) grams; basilar length, 38.1 (37.8-39.7); zygomatic breadth more or less (less in three of four specimens) than distance between condylar foramen and M1 or than between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla; relation of postorbital breadth to other measurements in doubt because of malformation of frontal sinuses by parasites; least width of palate not less than greatest length of P4; tympanic bulla as far posterior to foramen ovale as width of 3-1/2 to 5-1/2 upper incisors; height of tympanic bulla more than distance from its anterior margin to foramen ovale; length of tympanic bulla more than length of lower molar and premolar tooth-row and longer or shorter than rostrum.
Compared with the skull ofM. f. washingtonithat of each sex ofaltifrontalisaverages slightly larger in every measurement taken, except measurements of teeth which are approximately the same, and is relatively deeper through the frontal region and through the braincase as measured at the anterior margin of the basioccipital. Skulls of females ofaltifrontalishave a relatively broader interorbital region. Skulls of males ofaltifrontalisfurther differ in having relatively, as well as actually, longer tympanic bullae, relatively lesser orbitonasal length and a greater relative breadth across the mastoids and across zygomata. Compared withM. f. nevadensis, the skull of the male ofaltifrontalisaverages slightly larger and heavier although the skulls of females are of approximately the same size and weight. Relative to the basilar length, the skulls of both sexes are deeper through the braincase and narrower across the mastoids; the rostrum is broader, especially in males; the tooth-rows are shorter and the interorbital breadth less, especially in females. Comparison with the skull oforegonensisis made in the account of that subspecies.
Remarks.—Until the present study was begun, animals of this race have gone under the nameMustela saturata(Merriam). The United States National Museum has a juvenile taken, in 1858, by Wayne at Astoria, O. T.; the Samuel N. Rhoads collection contained one specimen taken in 1891, at Tacoma, Washington; one in the Bangs' collection was taken at Chilliwack, British Columbia, in 1895, and the Field Museum has one taken on the Olympic Peninsula in 1898. The best material is that collected by Alex Walker, at Tillamook, Oregon.
Intergradation withnevadensisis indicated by several specimens. The coloration of the one adult female, no. 90, Chas. R. Conner Mus., from Swamp Creek, Washington, has the color of the underparts extended down the hind legs over the feet, and over the proximal third of the ventral face of the tail as innevadensisalthough the other two specimens from the same place have the color pattern ofaltifrontalis. Of the four specimens from British Columbia referred to this subspecies, only the specimen from Chilliwack is typical as regards color pattern. The one from Cultus Lake has the color pattern ofnevadensisand might be referred to that race almost as well as toaltifrontalis. The two specimens from Lihumption Park are intermediate between the two races in tone of color. Neither has the color of the underparts extended onto the tail or continuously over the hind feet as innevadensisbut each does have the color of the underparts less restricted and of lighter hue than inaltifrontalis. Only one of the specimens, no. 7848 Canad. Nat. Mus., from Lihumption Park is adult and it has a skull which agrees with that ofaltifrontalisrather thannevadensis.
After writing the above, a good representation of the weasel population along the eastern side of Puget Sound was made available by friends in that area. Study of the weasels from there shows that their color is intermediate between that ofaltifrontalisandnevadensis. On the whole, they (specimens from Bellingham, for example) resemble one subspecies about as much as the other. In cranial characters some specimens, in certain features, approachnevadensisbut most specimens agree withaltifrontalisand all are more nearly likealtifrontalisto which race all are referred.
The color of these animals is to me indistinguishable from that ofwashingtoni. The color ofwashingtoniis merely intermediate between that ofnevadensisandaltifrontalis. Nevertheless, the racewashingtonihas cranial characters (long narrow skull) which set it off from bothaltifrontalisandnevadensis. This shape of skull is not found in the specimens from along the eastern side of Puget Sound; these animals have skulls like that ofaltifrontalisand when departures from this occur they are in the direction ofnevadensisand notwashingtoni.
The above, then, explains why specimens which are colored like those ofwashingtoniare not referred to that race but instead to the racealtifrontalis.
Of 23 adult skulls examined, 19 have the frontal sinuses malformed as the result of infestation by parasites.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 80, arranged within states by counties from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated specimens are in the United States National Museum.British Columbia.Chilliwack, 1[74], Lihumption Park, 4750 ft., 2[77]; Cultus Lake, 1[77].Oregon.Clatsop County: Old Fort Clatsop, 1[74]; Astoria, 1.Tillamook County: Tillamook, 12 (7[14], 2[74], 2[2], 1[46]); Netarts, 1[46]; Blaine, 16 (13[14], 1[93], 1[76], 1[59]).Lane County: Reed, 1; Mercer, 1[46].Curry County: Langlois, 1[46].Washington.Whatcom County: Nooksack River, 2000 ft., 14 mi. E Glacier, 1; Swamp Creek, 2050 ft., Nooksack River, 3[10]; Lookout, 4800 ft., Mt. Baker, 2[10]; Bellingham, 8[25]; 5 mi. S Bellingham, 1[49].Skagit County: Rockport, 300 ft., 1.King County: Bothell, 2[94]; N Seattle 1[51]; Seattle, 1[49]; Tye, 1[51], 2 mi. E Skykomish, 1[51]; 7 mi. E Kent, 1[76]; Auburn, 3[94].Pierce County: Tacoma, 1[1].Clallam County: Sequim, 1[49]; Soleduc Riv., near [sic.] Sappho, 1[49]; Happy Lake, 1[60]; mouth of Boulder Creek, Elwha River, 560 ft., Olympic Mts., 1; Hume's Ranch, 1000 ft., Elwha River, 1; Bogachiel Riv., 1[49].Mason County: Lake Cushman, 2; 4 mi. N Shelton, 1[51].Thurston County: Olympia, 2[49]; Tenino, 1[51].Pacific County: 2-1/2 mi. SE Chinook, 3[74].
Specimens examined.—Total number, 80, arranged within states by counties from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated specimens are in the United States National Museum.
British Columbia.Chilliwack, 1[74], Lihumption Park, 4750 ft., 2[77]; Cultus Lake, 1[77].
Oregon.Clatsop County: Old Fort Clatsop, 1[74]; Astoria, 1.Tillamook County: Tillamook, 12 (7[14], 2[74], 2[2], 1[46]); Netarts, 1[46]; Blaine, 16 (13[14], 1[93], 1[76], 1[59]).Lane County: Reed, 1; Mercer, 1[46].Curry County: Langlois, 1[46].
Washington.Whatcom County: Nooksack River, 2000 ft., 14 mi. E Glacier, 1; Swamp Creek, 2050 ft., Nooksack River, 3[10]; Lookout, 4800 ft., Mt. Baker, 2[10]; Bellingham, 8[25]; 5 mi. S Bellingham, 1[49].Skagit County: Rockport, 300 ft., 1.King County: Bothell, 2[94]; N Seattle 1[51]; Seattle, 1[49]; Tye, 1[51], 2 mi. E Skykomish, 1[51]; 7 mi. E Kent, 1[76]; Auburn, 3[94].Pierce County: Tacoma, 1[1].Clallam County: Sequim, 1[49]; Soleduc Riv., near [sic.] Sappho, 1[49]; Happy Lake, 1[60]; mouth of Boulder Creek, Elwha River, 560 ft., Olympic Mts., 1; Hume's Ranch, 1000 ft., Elwha River, 1; Bogachiel Riv., 1[49].Mason County: Lake Cushman, 2; 4 mi. N Shelton, 1[51].Thurston County: Olympia, 2[49]; Tenino, 1[51].Pacific County: 2-1/2 mi. SE Chinook, 3[74].
Long-tailed Weasel
Plates19,20,21,30,34,35and36
Putorius xanthogenys oregonensisMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:25, June 30, 1896; Bangs, Proc. New England Zoöl. Club, 1:57, June 9, 1899.Mustela xanthogenys oregonensis, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:99, December 31, 1912.Mustela xanthogenys munda, Grinnell, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 40:102, September 26, 1933 (part).Mustela frenata oregonensis, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:107, November 20, 1936.
Putorius xanthogenys oregonensisMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:25, June 30, 1896; Bangs, Proc. New England Zoöl. Club, 1:57, June 9, 1899.
Mustela xanthogenys oregonensis, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:99, December 31, 1912.
Mustela xanthogenys munda, Grinnell, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 40:102, September 26, 1933 (part).
Mustela frenata oregonensis, Hall, Carnegie Instit. Washington Publ. 473:107, November 20, 1936.
Type.—Male, subadult, skull and skin; no. 32019/43828, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Grants Pass, Rogue River Valley, Josephine County, Oregon; December 19, 1891; obtained by C. P. Streator; original no. 1404.The skull (plates19-21,30) is complete and unbroken. P3 on the left side is missing. Otherwise the teeth all are present although worn probably as a result of gnawing at the trap which captured the specimen. The skin, in brown, winter pelage, is fairly well made.Although the label on the skin and the label in the skull vial each give the sex of the specimen as female, and although Merriam (1896:25) regarded the specimen as a female, the present writer regards the specimen as a male.It is as large as other undoubted males and larger than any known female of this subspecies. The labels with the skull and skin give the locality as "Rogue River Valley, Oregon." The listing here of the more restricted locality, Grants Pass, is made on the basis of Merriam's (1896:25) original description of the subspecies.Range.—Transition and Canadian life-zones along coast of northern California and southern Oregon from Humboldt County, California, north through Curry County, Oregon, thence inland, west of the Cascades, north to the Columbia River. See figures 29 and 30 on pages 221 and 314.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. altifrontalisin presence of frontonasal white patch, lighter color above (tone 2 to 3 of Raw Umber, pl. 301, rather than tone 4 of Brownish Drab, pl. 302, Oberthür and Dauthenay), wider extent of light color of underparts which is extended distally beyond knee, and in females, longer tooth-row which amounts to more than 38 per cent of basilar length; fromM. f. mundain shorter hind foot of males which is less than 50, and in both sexes, smaller, less rugose skull (see measurements and plates); fromM. f. saturatain presence of frontonasal white patch, in having color of underparts extended uninterruptedly over ankle onto foot; fromM. f. nevadensisin presence of frontonasal white patch, lack of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, and longer skull, which relative to its length in males, is shallower through braincase; fromM. f. efferain presence of frontonasal white patch, lack of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, and larger skull with basilar length averaging more than 41.7 in males; fromM. f. washingtoniin presence of frontonasal white patch, shorter skull in males, which in percentage of basilar length has, on the average, orbitonasal length amounting to less than 35, mastoid breadth more than 55, and zygomatic breadth more than 63; and in females larger skull with least width of palate more than length of P4, upper tooth-rows more than 38-1/2 per cent of basilar length, bullae larger and averaging more than 13.4 long.Description.—Size.—Male: Five males (3 adults and 2 subadults from Eureka, Ferndale, and Carlotta, California) yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 392 (347-430); length of tail, 138 (110-160); length of hind foot, 46 (43-50). Tail averages 54 (46-61) per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot more or less than basal length. The type specimen, and an adult from Goldbeach measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 412, 386; length of tail, 155, 137; length of hind foot, 44, 46.Female: Three adults (2 from Fortuna and 1 from Carlotta, California) yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 367 (360-374); length of tail, 130 (123-134); length of hind foot, 40 (39-40). Tail averages 55 (52-57) per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot less than basal length. A subadult from Goldbeach, an adult from 13 mi. SW Grants Pass, and an adult from Medford, measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 316, 344, 294; length of tail, 114, 120, 122; length of hind foot, 36, 40, 38.The average differences in external measurements of the two sexes in the vicinity of Carlotta, are: Total length, 25; length of tail, 8; length of hind foot, 6. Corresponding differences, at Goldbeach, are: 70, 23, 10. Probably the females at Fortuna reflect the large size ofmundamore than do the males at Carlotta and the differences between the measurements of the two sexes probably, therefore, are actually more than are indicated by the figures above.Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black, brown or white (often all three colors in same specimen) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles, in summer pelage, as shown in figure20.Color.—Upper parts, in summer, near (16l) Brussels Brown or tone 2 of Raw Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 301, to slightly darker than tone 3 of same plate. Darker on nose and top of head, usually with frontonasal white patch but lacking white bar in front of each ear, except in the type and 2 specimens from Salem. Chin, lower lips, angle of mouth, and usually posterior seventh of upper lip white. Remainder of underparts Pale Orange-Yellow. In winter usually lighter above with underparts Warm Buff to Straw Yellow. Tip of tail at all times black. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and wrists, on medial side of hind leg, typically over ankle in extremely narrow line which widens out over distal phalanges of antiplantar faces of toes but sometimes interrupted at ankle. Least width of color of underparts averaging, in twenty available specimens, 39 (27-54) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in five adults averaging 50 (43-60) mm. long; thus averaging longer than hind foot and 33 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 4 adults and subadults from Eureka, Requa, Goldbeach, and Grant Pass): See measurements and plates19-21,30. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 3.5 (3.5-4.1) grams; basilar length, 42.9 (41.8-44.0); least width of palate more or less than medial length of P4.Female (based on 2 adults, one from Carlotta and one from 13 mi. SW Grants Pass): See measurements and plates34-36. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 2.4 (2.2-2.6) grams; basilar length, 37.7 and 39.5; zygomatic breadth less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 and less than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla. See under "Remarks" for additional data on variation in size of skulls of females.The skulls of the female averages 31 per cent lighter than that of the average male.
Type.—Male, subadult, skull and skin; no. 32019/43828, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Grants Pass, Rogue River Valley, Josephine County, Oregon; December 19, 1891; obtained by C. P. Streator; original no. 1404.
The skull (plates19-21,30) is complete and unbroken. P3 on the left side is missing. Otherwise the teeth all are present although worn probably as a result of gnawing at the trap which captured the specimen. The skin, in brown, winter pelage, is fairly well made.
Although the label on the skin and the label in the skull vial each give the sex of the specimen as female, and although Merriam (1896:25) regarded the specimen as a female, the present writer regards the specimen as a male.
It is as large as other undoubted males and larger than any known female of this subspecies. The labels with the skull and skin give the locality as "Rogue River Valley, Oregon." The listing here of the more restricted locality, Grants Pass, is made on the basis of Merriam's (1896:25) original description of the subspecies.
Range.—Transition and Canadian life-zones along coast of northern California and southern Oregon from Humboldt County, California, north through Curry County, Oregon, thence inland, west of the Cascades, north to the Columbia River. See figures 29 and 30 on pages 221 and 314.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. f. altifrontalisin presence of frontonasal white patch, lighter color above (tone 2 to 3 of Raw Umber, pl. 301, rather than tone 4 of Brownish Drab, pl. 302, Oberthür and Dauthenay), wider extent of light color of underparts which is extended distally beyond knee, and in females, longer tooth-row which amounts to more than 38 per cent of basilar length; fromM. f. mundain shorter hind foot of males which is less than 50, and in both sexes, smaller, less rugose skull (see measurements and plates); fromM. f. saturatain presence of frontonasal white patch, in having color of underparts extended uninterruptedly over ankle onto foot; fromM. f. nevadensisin presence of frontonasal white patch, lack of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, and longer skull, which relative to its length in males, is shallower through braincase; fromM. f. efferain presence of frontonasal white patch, lack of light color of underparts on ventral face of tail, and larger skull with basilar length averaging more than 41.7 in males; fromM. f. washingtoniin presence of frontonasal white patch, shorter skull in males, which in percentage of basilar length has, on the average, orbitonasal length amounting to less than 35, mastoid breadth more than 55, and zygomatic breadth more than 63; and in females larger skull with least width of palate more than length of P4, upper tooth-rows more than 38-1/2 per cent of basilar length, bullae larger and averaging more than 13.4 long.
Description.—Size.—Male: Five males (3 adults and 2 subadults from Eureka, Ferndale, and Carlotta, California) yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 392 (347-430); length of tail, 138 (110-160); length of hind foot, 46 (43-50). Tail averages 54 (46-61) per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot more or less than basal length. The type specimen, and an adult from Goldbeach measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 412, 386; length of tail, 155, 137; length of hind foot, 44, 46.
Female: Three adults (2 from Fortuna and 1 from Carlotta, California) yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 367 (360-374); length of tail, 130 (123-134); length of hind foot, 40 (39-40). Tail averages 55 (52-57) per cent as long as head and body. Length of hind foot less than basal length. A subadult from Goldbeach, an adult from 13 mi. SW Grants Pass, and an adult from Medford, measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 316, 344, 294; length of tail, 114, 120, 122; length of hind foot, 36, 40, 38.
The average differences in external measurements of the two sexes in the vicinity of Carlotta, are: Total length, 25; length of tail, 8; length of hind foot, 6. Corresponding differences, at Goldbeach, are: 70, 23, 10. Probably the females at Fortuna reflect the large size ofmundamore than do the males at Carlotta and the differences between the measurements of the two sexes probably, therefore, are actually more than are indicated by the figures above.
Externals.—Longest facial vibrissae black, brown or white (often all three colors in same specimen) and extending beyond ear; carpal vibrissae same color as underparts and extending to apical pad of fifth digit; hairiness of foot-soles, in summer pelage, as shown in figure20.
Color.—Upper parts, in summer, near (16l) Brussels Brown or tone 2 of Raw Umber of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 301, to slightly darker than tone 3 of same plate. Darker on nose and top of head, usually with frontonasal white patch but lacking white bar in front of each ear, except in the type and 2 specimens from Salem. Chin, lower lips, angle of mouth, and usually posterior seventh of upper lip white. Remainder of underparts Pale Orange-Yellow. In winter usually lighter above with underparts Warm Buff to Straw Yellow. Tip of tail at all times black. Color of underparts extends distally on posterior sides of forelegs over toes onto antipalmar faces of feet and wrists, on medial side of hind leg, typically over ankle in extremely narrow line which widens out over distal phalanges of antiplantar faces of toes but sometimes interrupted at ankle. Least width of color of underparts averaging, in twenty available specimens, 39 (27-54) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in five adults averaging 50 (43-60) mm. long; thus averaging longer than hind foot and 33 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull and teeth.—Male (based on 4 adults and subadults from Eureka, Requa, Goldbeach, and Grant Pass): See measurements and plates19-21,30. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 3.5 (3.5-4.1) grams; basilar length, 42.9 (41.8-44.0); least width of palate more or less than medial length of P4.
Female (based on 2 adults, one from Carlotta and one from 13 mi. SW Grants Pass): See measurements and plates34-36. As described inMustela frenata nevadensisexcept that: Weight, 2.4 (2.2-2.6) grams; basilar length, 37.7 and 39.5; zygomatic breadth less than distance between condylar foramen and M1 and less than distance between anterior palatine foramen and anterior margin of tympanic bulla. See under "Remarks" for additional data on variation in size of skulls of females.
The skulls of the female averages 31 per cent lighter than that of the average male.
Because there is much geographic variation between specimens here referred tooregonensis, the person who is guided by the present account should keep in mind that results, here reported, of comparisons of the skull with those of other races, were obtained by employing specimens oforegonensisfrom Carlotta and Eureka, California. These specimens from California are judged to have more of the characters of the subspeciesmundathan do specimens oforegonensisfrom more northern localities.