Since the skull ofinvictaclosely resembles that ofcicognanii, it follows thatinvictadiffers fromrichardsoniiandbangsiin about the manner described in the account ofcicognanii.
Remarks.—Animals of this subspecies in advance of the present study generally were recorded in the literature under the nameMustela cicognanii. The difficulty in distinguishing individual specimens ofinvictaon morphological grounds from those of the geographically remoteM. e. cicognaniishould not be taken to indicate that the populations do not differ appreciably. Actually they differ in several characters although in no one of these is the degree of difference sufficient to allow of using it alone as a certain means of diagnosis. Ininvicta, as compared withcicognanii, the light-colored underparts are wider in relation to the dark-colored upper parts and the tail is longer by 4 per cent relative to the head and body. Given a population of each of the two subspecies, in which the skull is of the same mass, the hind feet are longer ininvicta, there is more sexual dimorphism in size, and the anterior part of the skull differs in some particulars as just described in the comparison of the skull ofinvictawith other forms. Nevertheless, each of these differences is of an average sort. Therefore, and because overall size is about the same in the two subspecies concerned, one or a few specimens from, say, central Idaho, can be distinguished from animals from western Pennsylvania only with difficulty, if at all. The close resemblance of skulls ofinvictaandcicognaniimay be a function of their living at approximately the same latitudinal position in a climate that has marked seasonal variation.
Intergradation withrichardsoniiis complete and gradual; in one senseinvictais but little more than a smallrichardsonii. Intergradation withfallendais shown by several specimens. These two races differ in large degree in color, and in size and shape of the skull of females. Although the geographic area where intergradation in color occurs is fairly wide, the area in which intergradation in cranial characters in females occurs, appears, from the inadequate material available, to be much narrower. Intergradation occurs freely in Washington withstreatoribut withmuricusso far as known only in the Bitterroot and nearby mountains of northwestern Montana. The Snake River Plains and low country along much of the Columbia River appears to be uninhabited by weasels of the speciesermineaand hence there is opportunity for intergradation only in the mentioned area of Montana.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 177, as follows. Arranged alphabetically by provinces and states then by localities from north to south in each province and by counties from north to south in each state. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the United States National Museum.Alberta.Jasper House, 4[77]; Shovel Pass, 2[77]; Jasper Park, 10[77]; head of Smoky River, 9; Henry House, 2 (1[77]); Blindman River, 1[2]; forks of Blindman River and Red Deer River, 2 (1[60], 1[75]); "near Red Deer, Red Deer River," 1[77]; Red Deer River, 2 (1[2], 1[60]); Red Deer, 2[60]; Rosebud, 2[77]; Prairie, 3000 ft., 1; Didsbury, Little Red Deer River, 1; Canadian Nat'l Park, 1[60]; Canmore, 1; Banff, 1[60]; High River, 1[86]; "Waterton Lake Park" in Alberta, 6[77].British Columbia.Grand Forks of Fraser River, 1; Canoe River, 1[77]; Field, 1; Glacier, 1[58]; E side Beaverfoot Range, 4000-4500 ft., 6 mi. SE Fraser Creek, 8[74]; Wentworth Lake, 1[31]; Revelstoke, 2 (1[77], 1[60]); Spillimacheen[e]en River, 2[2]; Sicamous, 2; Albert River, 7000 ft., 1[2]; Lumby, Creighton Valley, 1[31]; Okanagan, 4 (2[75], 1[94], 1[2]); Kettle River Lake, Gold Range, 4000 ft., 1; Crows Nest Station, 1[74]; Yale District, 3; Fort Hope, 1; Chilliwack Lake, 1[77]; Skagit, 2 (1[77], 1[31]); Skagit Valley, 1[77]; Skagit Summit, 1[77]; Lightning Lakes, 2 mi. N International Boundary, 3; Osoyoos-Bridesville Summit, 2; Westbridge, 1[77]; Rossland, 5[77]; Creston, mouth Goat Creek, 3[77]; Yahk, 4[77].Idaho.Bonner County: Coolin, 4.Benewah County: Benewah, 1[55].Idaho County: "Pete Kings, Lochsa River," 1[97]; 2 mi. SSE Selway Falls, 1900 ft., 1[8]; 4 mi. SW Selway Falls, 5800 ft., 3[8]; Newsome Cr., 12 mi. above jct. with S Fk. Clearwater River, 2[74]; Iron Mt., to 14 mi. W thereof, 24[74]; Pilot Cr., 3/4 to 2-1/2 mi. above Newsome Cr., 4[74]; Sawmill Cr., 1-1/4 mi. W Newsome, 1[74]; between Selway River and S. Fk. Clearwater R., 4[74].Montana.Teton County(of old arrangement of counties): Many Glacier, 4900 ft., 1[74]; Duck Lake, 6 mi. NE St. Marys Lake, 1; St. Marys, Glacier Park, 1[76]; Lower St. Marys Lake, 1[2].Flathead County: Stanton Lake, 5.Countyin question: Bitter Root Mts., 1.Ravalli County: Tin Cup District, 1[74]; Bass Creek, 6800 ft., NW of Stevensville, 1; Capitan Peak, 7000 ft., 1; Darby, 2[74]; Girds Creek, 1[74]; Charlos Heights, 2[74].Washington.Whatcom County: Twin Lakes, Winchester Mts., 3 (1[10]); Chilliwack River, 2600 ft., 2; Cooper Creek, near head, 4500 ft., Hannegan Pass, 1; Cooper Cr., 4300 ft., Hannegan Pass, 1[10]; Beaver Creek (2500 ft., and at McMillan Ranch, 1700 ft.), 2; Barron, Bornite Mine, 5000 ft., 1.Okanogan County: Tungsten Mine, 6800 ft., Bauerman Ridge, 4; Hidden Lakes, 4100 ft., 1; West Fork Pasayten River, 4700 ft., 1.Stevens County: Orin, 1[51].Pend Oreille County: Ione, 2[51].Chelan County: Lake Chelan, 1[46].
Specimens examined.—Total number, 177, as follows. Arranged alphabetically by provinces and states then by localities from north to south in each province and by counties from north to south in each state. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the United States National Museum.
Alberta.Jasper House, 4[77]; Shovel Pass, 2[77]; Jasper Park, 10[77]; head of Smoky River, 9; Henry House, 2 (1[77]); Blindman River, 1[2]; forks of Blindman River and Red Deer River, 2 (1[60], 1[75]); "near Red Deer, Red Deer River," 1[77]; Red Deer River, 2 (1[2], 1[60]); Red Deer, 2[60]; Rosebud, 2[77]; Prairie, 3000 ft., 1; Didsbury, Little Red Deer River, 1; Canadian Nat'l Park, 1[60]; Canmore, 1; Banff, 1[60]; High River, 1[86]; "Waterton Lake Park" in Alberta, 6[77].
British Columbia.Grand Forks of Fraser River, 1; Canoe River, 1[77]; Field, 1; Glacier, 1[58]; E side Beaverfoot Range, 4000-4500 ft., 6 mi. SE Fraser Creek, 8[74]; Wentworth Lake, 1[31]; Revelstoke, 2 (1[77], 1[60]); Spillimacheen[e]en River, 2[2]; Sicamous, 2; Albert River, 7000 ft., 1[2]; Lumby, Creighton Valley, 1[31]; Okanagan, 4 (2[75], 1[94], 1[2]); Kettle River Lake, Gold Range, 4000 ft., 1; Crows Nest Station, 1[74]; Yale District, 3; Fort Hope, 1; Chilliwack Lake, 1[77]; Skagit, 2 (1[77], 1[31]); Skagit Valley, 1[77]; Skagit Summit, 1[77]; Lightning Lakes, 2 mi. N International Boundary, 3; Osoyoos-Bridesville Summit, 2; Westbridge, 1[77]; Rossland, 5[77]; Creston, mouth Goat Creek, 3[77]; Yahk, 4[77].
Idaho.Bonner County: Coolin, 4.Benewah County: Benewah, 1[55].Idaho County: "Pete Kings, Lochsa River," 1[97]; 2 mi. SSE Selway Falls, 1900 ft., 1[8]; 4 mi. SW Selway Falls, 5800 ft., 3[8]; Newsome Cr., 12 mi. above jct. with S Fk. Clearwater River, 2[74]; Iron Mt., to 14 mi. W thereof, 24[74]; Pilot Cr., 3/4 to 2-1/2 mi. above Newsome Cr., 4[74]; Sawmill Cr., 1-1/4 mi. W Newsome, 1[74]; between Selway River and S. Fk. Clearwater R., 4[74].
Montana.Teton County(of old arrangement of counties): Many Glacier, 4900 ft., 1[74]; Duck Lake, 6 mi. NE St. Marys Lake, 1; St. Marys, Glacier Park, 1[76]; Lower St. Marys Lake, 1[2].Flathead County: Stanton Lake, 5.Countyin question: Bitter Root Mts., 1.Ravalli County: Tin Cup District, 1[74]; Bass Creek, 6800 ft., NW of Stevensville, 1; Capitan Peak, 7000 ft., 1; Darby, 2[74]; Girds Creek, 1[74]; Charlos Heights, 2[74].
Washington.Whatcom County: Twin Lakes, Winchester Mts., 3 (1[10]); Chilliwack River, 2600 ft., 2; Cooper Creek, near head, 4500 ft., Hannegan Pass, 1; Cooper Cr., 4300 ft., Hannegan Pass, 1[10]; Beaver Creek (2500 ft., and at McMillan Ranch, 1700 ft.), 2; Barron, Bornite Mine, 5000 ft., 1.Okanogan County: Tungsten Mine, 6800 ft., Bauerman Ridge, 4; Hidden Lakes, 4100 ft., 1; West Fork Pasayten River, 4700 ft., 1.Stevens County: Orin, 1[51].Pend Oreille County: Ione, 2[51].Chelan County: Lake Chelan, 1[46].
Ermine
Plates2,3,4,9,10and11
Putorius richardsoni alascensisMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:12, pl. 2, figs. 2, 2a, June 30, 1896.Putorius cicognanii alascensis, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:96, December 31, 1912; Swarth, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 7:140, January 12, 1911.Mustela erminea alascensis, Hall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:36, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:180, July 19, 1945.
Putorius richardsoni alascensisMerriam, N. Amer. Fauna, 11:12, pl. 2, figs. 2, 2a, June 30, 1896.
Putorius cicognanii alascensis, Miller, U. S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 79:96, December 31, 1912; Swarth, Univ. California Publ. Zoöl., 7:140, January 12, 1911.
Mustela erminea alascensis, Hall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:36, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:180, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 74423, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Juneau, Alaska; August 22, 1895; obtained by Clark P. Streator, original no. 4806.The skull shows malformation of the frontal sinuses due to parasites and lacks osseous tissue where the parasitic infestation was localized. The left exoccipital condyle and adjacent region is less developed than the right and the posterior part of the skull is bent slightly to the left. Otherwise the skull is unbroken. The teeth all are present and entire. The skin is in the brown summer coat, fairly well made and in a good state of preservation. A few white hairs persist where the proximal line of the black hair of the tip of the tail meets the distal line of the brown hair.Range.—Mainland of southeastern Alaska from Lynn Canal south to include Mitkof, Zarembo, Wrangel and Revillagigedo islands. See figures25,26on pages 95 and 134.Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. arcticaandhaidarum, in both sexes, by proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored same as upper parts rather than same as underparts and interorbital breadth less, instead of more, than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. salva, in males, by overall depth of braincase including tympanic bullae less than 89 per cent of orbitonasal length, females not individually distinguishable but averaging shallower through the braincase; fromM. e. initis,celendaandseclusaby interorbital breadth less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus (females ofinitis,celendaandseclusaunknown); further frominitisby total length less than 317 and black tip of tail less than 57 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae; further fromcelendaby chest white, not mostly covered by brown patch.Description.—Size.—Male: Eight adults from Windham, Alaska, yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 298 (288-315); length of tail, 88 (84-94); length of hind foot, 41.3 (37-44).Female: Two adults from Juneau and Helm Bay measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 258, 258; length of tail,——, 76; length of hind foot, 32, 34.Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that least width of color of underparts averaging, in five females, 42 (35-53) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same specimens averaging 36 (30-40) mm. which is 49 (48-53) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull.—Male (based on 8 adults from Windham): See measurements and plates, 2-4. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.8 (1.5-2.6) grams; basilar length, 37.5 (36.5-38.9); length of tooth-rows more or less than (about same as) length of tympanic bulla.Female (based on 5 adults, from localities listed in the table of cranial measurements): See measurements and plates9-11. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.96 (0.7-1.1) grams; basilar length, 32.7 (31.9-33.2); breadth of rostrum more or less than (about equal to) 30 per cent of basilar length.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 74423, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Juneau, Alaska; August 22, 1895; obtained by Clark P. Streator, original no. 4806.
The skull shows malformation of the frontal sinuses due to parasites and lacks osseous tissue where the parasitic infestation was localized. The left exoccipital condyle and adjacent region is less developed than the right and the posterior part of the skull is bent slightly to the left. Otherwise the skull is unbroken. The teeth all are present and entire. The skin is in the brown summer coat, fairly well made and in a good state of preservation. A few white hairs persist where the proximal line of the black hair of the tip of the tail meets the distal line of the brown hair.
Range.—Mainland of southeastern Alaska from Lynn Canal south to include Mitkof, Zarembo, Wrangel and Revillagigedo islands. See figures25,26on pages 95 and 134.
Characters for ready recognition.—Differs fromM. e. arcticaandhaidarum, in both sexes, by proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored same as upper parts rather than same as underparts and interorbital breadth less, instead of more, than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. salva, in males, by overall depth of braincase including tympanic bullae less than 89 per cent of orbitonasal length, females not individually distinguishable but averaging shallower through the braincase; fromM. e. initis,celendaandseclusaby interorbital breadth less than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus (females ofinitis,celendaandseclusaunknown); further frominitisby total length less than 317 and black tip of tail less than 57 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae; further fromcelendaby chest white, not mostly covered by brown patch.
Description.—Size.—Male: Eight adults from Windham, Alaska, yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 298 (288-315); length of tail, 88 (84-94); length of hind foot, 41.3 (37-44).
Female: Two adults from Juneau and Helm Bay measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 258, 258; length of tail,——, 76; length of hind foot, 32, 34.
Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that least width of color of underparts averaging, in five females, 42 (35-53) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in same specimens averaging 36 (30-40) mm. which is 49 (48-53) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull.—Male (based on 8 adults from Windham): See measurements and plates, 2-4. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.8 (1.5-2.6) grams; basilar length, 37.5 (36.5-38.9); length of tooth-rows more or less than (about same as) length of tympanic bulla.
Female (based on 5 adults, from localities listed in the table of cranial measurements): See measurements and plates9-11. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.96 (0.7-1.1) grams; basilar length, 32.7 (31.9-33.2); breadth of rostrum more or less than (about equal to) 30 per cent of basilar length.
Fromrichardsonii,alascensisdiffers in that the skull of the male averages smaller in every measurement taken and is 28 per cent lighter. Relative to the basilar length, the orbitonasal length is more and the braincase is shallower as measured at the anterior end of the basioccipital. The four adult females seen ofalascensisare more variable than those ofrichardsoniiand average smaller in some measurements and larger in others but give no proof of any consistent difference.
Fromhaidarum,alascensisdiffers in that the rostrum and entire preorbital part of the skull is actually as well as relatively much smaller in both sexes. In males ofalascensisthe length of the skull, and other cranial measurements of length, is more. In males, the mastoid breadth and zygomatic breadth are about the same as inhaidarum, as also is the weight. M1 is larger but m1 and P4 are smaller. In females the anteroposterior extent of the inner moiety of M1 and length of tympanic bulla are about the same in the two subspecies but all other cranial and dental measurements inalascensisare less. It is 29 per cent lighter. The difference in the preorbital region is of about the same degree as in the males.
Comparisons of the skull with those ofarctica,salva,initis,celenda, andseclusaare made in the accounts of those subspecies.
Remarks.—The relatively few specimens known of this race seem always to have been referred to in the literature by the namealascensisand the nomenclatural history is therefore simple. The original materials were obtained by the collector Clark P. Streator and the additional series of skeletons, one with skin, from Windham were procured by Stanton Price, a resident there.
The subspecies is well differentiated from botharcticaandrichardsonii. Although actual intergrades are lacking betweenalascensisand the two races just mentioned I have no doubt that intergradation occurs withrichardsoniiand think it probably does also witharctica.
The assignment of the three females from Mitkof Island, Zarembo Island, and Loring on Revillagigedo Island, is tentative because each is so young as not to show diagnostic cranial characters. The two other specimens from Revillagigedo Island (Carroll Inlet), labeled as males, are in white winter pelage. Only one, no. 136358, a subadult, is accompanied by a skull. The small size of each specimen, and its cranial characters which are intermediate between those of males and females ofalascensisof the adjacent mainland, indicate the existence of a distinct race of weasel on Revillagigedo Island. On the chance that the one specimen with a skull is a dwarf, or is wrongly sexed as seems improbable, the population is tentatively referred toalascensis.
Fig. 26.Map showing known occurrences and probable geographic ranges of the subspecies ofMustela ermineain southeastern Alaska.
Fig. 26.Map showing known occurrences and probable geographic ranges of the subspecies ofMustela ermineain southeastern Alaska.
Fig. 26.Map showing known occurrences and probable geographic ranges of the subspecies ofMustela ermineain southeastern Alaska.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 24, arranged by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California.Alaska.Juneau, 5[91]; Taku River, 1; Windham, 9; Mitkof Island, 1; St. John Harbor, Zarembo Island, 1; Wrangel, 1[91]; Helm Bay, Cleveland Peninsula, 1; Cleveland Peninsula, 2[91]; Revillagigedo Island, Carroll Inlet, 2[91]; Loring, 1[91].
Specimens examined.—Total number, 24, arranged by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, specimens are in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California.
Alaska.Juneau, 5[91]; Taku River, 1; Windham, 9; Mitkof Island, 1; St. John Harbor, Zarembo Island, 1; Wrangel, 1[91]; Helm Bay, Cleveland Peninsula, 1; Cleveland Peninsula, 2[91]; Revillagigedo Island, Carroll Inlet, 2[91]; Loring, 1[91].
Ermine
Plates2,3,4,9,10and11
Mustela erminea salvaHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:35, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:180, July 19, 1945.
Mustela erminea salvaHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:35, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:180, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, skull only; no. 74641, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Mole Harbor, Admiralty Island, Alaska, December 27, 1936; obtained by A. Hasselborg.The skull (plates2-4) shows malformation of the frontal sinuses owing to parasites and lacks osseous tissue where the parasitic infestation was localized. The skull is unbroken. The teeth all are present and entire.Range.—Admiralty Island, Alaska. See figures25,26on pages95,134.Characters for ready recognition(known only from skulls).—Differs from males ofM. e. alascensisin overall depth of braincase which is more than 89 per cent of orbitonasal length; fromM. e. initis, in males, in that orbitonasal length and mastoid breadth total less than 35 mm., weight of skull and lower jaws less than 2.1 grams; fromM. e. celenda, in males, in that breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes less than a third of basilar length.Description.—Size.—Male: An adult from Gambier Bay measures: Total length, 320; length of tail, 95; length of hind foot, 45 (41 in dry skin).Female: A subadult from Hawk Inlet, measures: Total length, 250; length of tail, 70; length of hind foot, 33.Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that least width of color of underparts in four individuals 40 (38-43) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail, in two individuals for which external measurements are given, amounting to 50 and 40 mm. respectively which is 53 and 57 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull.—Male (type and 4 adult topotypes): See measurements and plates2-4. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.7 (1.5-1.9) grams; basilar length, 37.8 (36.4-39.5, extremes are in subadults); length of tooth-rows more or less (usually more) than length of tympanic bulla; interorbital breadth rarely more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus.Female (2 ad. and 1 ad.-sad. topotypes): See measurements, and plates9-11. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.9 (0.8-1.0) grams; basilar length, 33.0 (32.0-33.6); length of tooth rows approximately same as length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum approximately 30 per cent of basilar length.
Type.—Male, adult, skull only; no. 74641, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Mole Harbor, Admiralty Island, Alaska, December 27, 1936; obtained by A. Hasselborg.
The skull (plates2-4) shows malformation of the frontal sinuses owing to parasites and lacks osseous tissue where the parasitic infestation was localized. The skull is unbroken. The teeth all are present and entire.
Range.—Admiralty Island, Alaska. See figures25,26on pages95,134.
Characters for ready recognition(known only from skulls).—Differs from males ofM. e. alascensisin overall depth of braincase which is more than 89 per cent of orbitonasal length; fromM. e. initis, in males, in that orbitonasal length and mastoid breadth total less than 35 mm., weight of skull and lower jaws less than 2.1 grams; fromM. e. celenda, in males, in that breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes less than a third of basilar length.
Description.—Size.—Male: An adult from Gambier Bay measures: Total length, 320; length of tail, 95; length of hind foot, 45 (41 in dry skin).
Female: A subadult from Hawk Inlet, measures: Total length, 250; length of tail, 70; length of hind foot, 33.
Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that least width of color of underparts in four individuals 40 (38-43) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail, in two individuals for which external measurements are given, amounting to 50 and 40 mm. respectively which is 53 and 57 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull.—Male (type and 4 adult topotypes): See measurements and plates2-4. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.7 (1.5-1.9) grams; basilar length, 37.8 (36.4-39.5, extremes are in subadults); length of tooth-rows more or less (usually more) than length of tympanic bulla; interorbital breadth rarely more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus.
Female (2 ad. and 1 ad.-sad. topotypes): See measurements, and plates9-11. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 0.9 (0.8-1.0) grams; basilar length, 33.0 (32.0-33.6); length of tooth rows approximately same as length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum approximately 30 per cent of basilar length.
Fromalascensis,salvadiffers in that males have the preorbital region slightly wider in relation to the length of the tympanic bulla; also the braincase is smaller, actually as well as in comparison with the preorbital part of the skull. The tympanic bullae do not project so far below the squamosals and the braincase itself is shallower, in adults averaging only 11.5 mm. as against 12.5 mm. The overall depth of the braincase, including the tympanic bullae, when divided into the orbitonasal length gives an average of 93 (90-97) per cent whereas inalascensisthe figure is only 85 (78-88) per cent. On this basis alone, everyone of the adult skulls of the two races can be distinguished. The females and subadult males show the same tendency to reduction in depth of braincase but not every individual among them can be surely distinguished. By weight the skull ofsalvaof corresponding sex is only about 6 per cent smaller. Comparisons withinitisandcelendaare made in the accounts of those subspecies.
Remarks.—Most of the specimens seen were collected by Allen E. Hasselborg, resident on Admiralty Island. On the basis of skulls—few skins, and measurements taken in the flesh, are available—salvamore closely resemblesalascensisthan does any other subspecies so far known from southeastern Alaska. The race on Admiralty Island is only slightly differentiated fromalascensisof the adjacent mainland.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 26, all from Admiralty Island, Alaska, arranged in general by localities from north to south, and unless otherwise indicated in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California.Alaska.Admiralty Island: Hawk Inlet, 2; Seymour Canal, 4; Mole Harbor, 18 (skulls only); Gambier Bay, 1; no locality more definite than Admiralty Island, 4 (1 in U. S. Nat. Mus.).
Specimens examined.—Total number, 26, all from Admiralty Island, Alaska, arranged in general by localities from north to south, and unless otherwise indicated in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California.
Alaska.Admiralty Island: Hawk Inlet, 2; Seymour Canal, 4; Mole Harbor, 18 (skulls only); Gambier Bay, 1; no locality more definite than Admiralty Island, 4 (1 in U. S. Nat. Mus.).
Ermine
Plates4,5and6
Mustela erminea initisHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:37, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:180, July 19, 1945.
Mustela erminea initisHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:37, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:180, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 289, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Saook Bay, Baranof Island, Alaska; October 9, 1907; obtained by A. Hasselborg, original no. 4.The top of the skull is fractured on the left side from the anterior nares posteriorly through the postorbital process to the posterior root of the zygomatic arch. On the left lower jaw the canine and three incisors are missing; otherwise the teeth all are present and entire.The skin is in process of molt, approximately nine-tenths of the incoming white pelage being in place. The skin is well made and in a good state of preservation.Range.—Chichagof and Baranof islands, Alaska. See figures25,26on pages 95, 134.Characters for ready recognition(only males known).—Differs fromM. e. arctica, in that proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored same as upper parts rather than same as underparts, zygomatic breadth less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen; fromM. e. salvain that orbitonasal length and mastoid breadth total more than 35 mm., weight of skull and lower jaws more than 2.1 grams; fromM. e. alascensis, by total length more than 317, black tip of tail more than 57 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae, interorbital breadth more than 10.3 and equal to, instead of less than, distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. celendaby chest white (not mostly covered by brown patch), breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes less than a third of basilar length; fromM. e. seclusain zygomatic breadth more than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.Description.—Size.—Male: The type and an adult topotype measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 330, 320; length of tail, 95, 95; length of hind foot, 45, 45.Female: No external measurements available.Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that least width of color of underparts averages, in two young female topotypes, 50 (49, 50) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in three young female topotypes averaging 54 (52-55) mm. which is 67 (63-69) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.Skull.—Male (illustrated by type and 1 ad. topotype): See measurements and plates4-6. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 2.3 and 2.5 grams; basilar length, 39.6, and 40.5; interorbital breadth equal to distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus.Female: No adults available.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 289, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Saook Bay, Baranof Island, Alaska; October 9, 1907; obtained by A. Hasselborg, original no. 4.
The top of the skull is fractured on the left side from the anterior nares posteriorly through the postorbital process to the posterior root of the zygomatic arch. On the left lower jaw the canine and three incisors are missing; otherwise the teeth all are present and entire.
The skin is in process of molt, approximately nine-tenths of the incoming white pelage being in place. The skin is well made and in a good state of preservation.
Range.—Chichagof and Baranof islands, Alaska. See figures25,26on pages 95, 134.
Characters for ready recognition(only males known).—Differs fromM. e. arctica, in that proximal two-thirds of under side of tail colored same as upper parts rather than same as underparts, zygomatic breadth less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen; fromM. e. salvain that orbitonasal length and mastoid breadth total more than 35 mm., weight of skull and lower jaws more than 2.1 grams; fromM. e. alascensis, by total length more than 317, black tip of tail more than 57 per cent of length of tail-vertebrae, interorbital breadth more than 10.3 and equal to, instead of less than, distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus; fromM. e. celendaby chest white (not mostly covered by brown patch), breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes less than a third of basilar length; fromM. e. seclusain zygomatic breadth more than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.
Description.—Size.—Male: The type and an adult topotype measure, respectively, as follows: Total length, 330, 320; length of tail, 95, 95; length of hind foot, 45, 45.
Female: No external measurements available.
Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that least width of color of underparts averages, in two young female topotypes, 50 (49, 50) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail in three young female topotypes averaging 54 (52-55) mm. which is 67 (63-69) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
Skull.—Male (illustrated by type and 1 ad. topotype): See measurements and plates4-6. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 2.3 and 2.5 grams; basilar length, 39.6, and 40.5; interorbital breadth equal to distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus.
Female: No adults available.
Fromsalva,initisdiffers in that skulls of males average larger in every measurement taken, being 41 per cent heavier. Relative to the basilar length, the interorbital and preorbital parts of the skull are larger; the relatively greater interorbital and mastoid breadths are particularly noticeable. Although the depth of the braincase, including the tympanic bullae, is both relatively as well as actually more than insalva, the depth is relatively less than inalascensiswhich otherwise differs from initis in about the same way thatsalvadiffers frominitis. Whereas the interorbital breadth ininitisis about equal to the distance between the glenoid fossa and the posterior border of the external auditory meatus, the interorbital breadth is uniformly less than this distance in bothsalvaandalascensis. In comparison withseclusathe teeth are of the same size but all measurements of the skull are larger. The skull ofinitisis 25 per cent heavier. In relation to the basilar length, the interorbital and preorbital parts of the skull are much less ininitis. The preorbital and interorbital regions ininitisare relatively smaller in comparison also witharctica. The one measurement of interorbital breadth ininitisis greater in relation to the basilar length than inkadiacensisbut the rostral region, and all that part of the skull anterior to the braincase, is relatively smaller ininitis.
Remarks.—The two adult males, nos. 286 and 289 from Saook Bay, provide convincing evidence of the existence of a distinct race of weasel on Baranof Island. Three other young specimens, almost subadult, from the same place are labeled as males although the basilar lengths of these skulls are only 35.5, 35.9 and 37.3 millimeters as against 39.6 and 40.5 in the two adult males. The difference in size is too great to be age-variation. The fact that 3 are definitely of one category and 2 of the other makes it doubtful that individual variation accounts for the differences. The small size of these 3 specimens and the fact that in each the anterior margin of the tympanic bulla is flush with the squamosal rather than protruded from the braincase, suggests that the three are females. If they are females, the amount of secondary sexual variation is rather less than would be expected by analogy with the amount obtaining inalascensison the mainland and insalvaon Admiralty Island. Another possibility that I can not disprove is that two stocks of weasels persist on Baranof Island, the two larger specimens being descendants of the stock which first became established on the island and the three smaller specimens being descendants of an individual ermine, or of ermines, that were rafted or otherwise transported to the island at a considerably later date. Assuming for the moment that there are two stocks, it must be admitted that each one differs from any stock known from elsewhere. Therefore, each stock would be presumed to have been long resident on the island. But—two stocks as closely related as the two in question would not be expected to persist for long in an area as small as that of Baranof Island because competition would give one the ascendancy. Therefore, the first suggestion, namely that the three smaller animals are really females, seems the more probable. The feasible way to clear up the present uncertainty is, of course, to obtain additional specimens, carefully labeled as to sex. Yet another reason why additional collecting is desirable in this area is to ascertain whether there is subspecific differentiation between the ermines of Baranof and Chichagof islands. The one specimen available from the latter island, although in general like the three smaller animals from Baranof Island, differs in the fuller (less scooped out) medial side of the tympanic bulla and to a slight degree in each of some other features. This specimen from Chichagof Island is labeled as a male also.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 6, arranged by localities from north to south, and in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California.Alaska.Chichagof Island, Freshwater Bay, 1. Baranof Island, Saook Bay, 5.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 6, arranged by localities from north to south, and in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoölogy, University of California.
Alaska.Chichagof Island, Freshwater Bay, 1. Baranof Island, Saook Bay, 5.
Ermine
Plates5,6and7
Mustela erminea celendaHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:38, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Mustela erminea celendaHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:38, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 130987, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Kasaan Bay, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska; June 16, 1903; obtained by Cyrus Catt; original no. 4407X.The skull has a piece 1.5 mm. long broken out of the left zygomatic arch. P2 is absent on both sides. The right I1, and the left I1 and I2 are missing. The skin, in summer pelage, is fairly well made. A scrotal pouch attests to the correctness of the sex recorded on the label. The rostral part of the skull is smaller than in average-sized males of corresponding age.Range.—Prince of Wales, Dall, and Long islands, Alaska. See figures25,26on pages95,134.Characters for ready recognition(only males known).—Differs fromM. e. alascensisandinitisin chest mostly covered by brown patch, not white, and breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes more than a third of basilar length, which cranial character serves to distinguish alsosalva; fromM. e. seclusain zygomatic breadth less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen; fromM. e. haidarumin chest white (not mostly covered by brown patch), proximal two-thirds of underside of tail colored like upper parts rather than underparts, basilar length more than 38.2 mm.Description.—Size.—Male: Seven adults and subadults from Prince of Wales Island, yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 286 (277-304); length of tail, 77 (74-85); length of hind foot, 36 (35.5-40.5).Female: No specimen available.Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that upper parts about tone 3 of dark Chocolate Brown of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 342; lower throat and chest covered by a large patch of same color as upper parts; color of underparts extending to toes but in interrupted fashion on both fore- and hind-feet; least width of color of underparts averaging, in four males from Prince of Wales Island, 41 (38-49) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging, in 8 males in winter pelage, 65 (59-78) mm. which is 84 (69-92) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.From its geographic neighborsalascensisandinitis,celendadiffers in darker color of upper parts, presence rather than absence of patch of dark color on lower throat and chest, and longer black tip on tail. Fromhaidarum,celendadiffers in darker color of upper parts, presence rather than absence of patch of dark color on lower throat and chest, narrower light-colored under parts, black tip of tail averaging less rather than more than nine-tenths of length of tail-vertebrae and ventral face of tail colored like upper parts rather than like underparts.Skull.—Male (illustrated by 5 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 2.3 (2.2-2.5) grams; basilar length, 39.5 (38.9-40.7) mm.; length of tooth-rows more than length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes more than a third of basilar length; interorbital breadth more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus; zygomatic breadth more or less than (about equal to) distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.Female.—Complete skull of adult unavailable.
Type.—Male, adult, skull and skin; no. 130987, U. S. Nat. Mus., Biol. Surv. Coll.; Kasaan Bay, Prince of Wales Island, Alaska; June 16, 1903; obtained by Cyrus Catt; original no. 4407X.
The skull has a piece 1.5 mm. long broken out of the left zygomatic arch. P2 is absent on both sides. The right I1, and the left I1 and I2 are missing. The skin, in summer pelage, is fairly well made. A scrotal pouch attests to the correctness of the sex recorded on the label. The rostral part of the skull is smaller than in average-sized males of corresponding age.
Range.—Prince of Wales, Dall, and Long islands, Alaska. See figures25,26on pages95,134.
Characters for ready recognition(only males known).—Differs fromM. e. alascensisandinitisin chest mostly covered by brown patch, not white, and breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes more than a third of basilar length, which cranial character serves to distinguish alsosalva; fromM. e. seclusain zygomatic breadth less than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen; fromM. e. haidarumin chest white (not mostly covered by brown patch), proximal two-thirds of underside of tail colored like upper parts rather than underparts, basilar length more than 38.2 mm.
Description.—Size.—Male: Seven adults and subadults from Prince of Wales Island, yield average and extreme measurements as follows: Total length, 286 (277-304); length of tail, 77 (74-85); length of hind foot, 36 (35.5-40.5).
Female: No specimen available.
Color.—As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that upper parts about tone 3 of dark Chocolate Brown of Oberthür and Dauthenay, pl. 342; lower throat and chest covered by a large patch of same color as upper parts; color of underparts extending to toes but in interrupted fashion on both fore- and hind-feet; least width of color of underparts averaging, in four males from Prince of Wales Island, 41 (38-49) per cent of greatest width of color of upper parts. Black tip of tail averaging, in 8 males in winter pelage, 65 (59-78) mm. which is 84 (69-92) per cent of length of tail-vertebrae.
From its geographic neighborsalascensisandinitis,celendadiffers in darker color of upper parts, presence rather than absence of patch of dark color on lower throat and chest, and longer black tip on tail. Fromhaidarum,celendadiffers in darker color of upper parts, presence rather than absence of patch of dark color on lower throat and chest, narrower light-colored under parts, black tip of tail averaging less rather than more than nine-tenths of length of tail-vertebrae and ventral face of tail colored like upper parts rather than like underparts.
Skull.—Male (illustrated by 5 adults): See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 2.3 (2.2-2.5) grams; basilar length, 39.5 (38.9-40.7) mm.; length of tooth-rows more than length of tympanic bulla; breadth of rostrum measured across lacrimal processes more than a third of basilar length; interorbital breadth more than distance between glenoid fossa and posterior border of external auditory meatus; zygomatic breadth more or less than (about equal to) distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.
Female.—Complete skull of adult unavailable.
Differences fromrichardsoniiare indicated in the formal description just given. Additional to differences therein noted,celendadiffers frominitisin larger interorbital and preorbital parts of the skull although dimensions of other parts of the skull and the teeth are about the same or even less. Fromsalva,celendadiffers in larger average size in every measurement taken, except for the inner moiety of M1 which is about the same. The skull ofcelendais 35 per cent heavier. In relation to the basilar length the skull ofcelendais wider, especially in the interorbital and preorbital regions. In comparison withalascensisthe tympanic bullae are of approximately the same length; otherwise essentially the same differences obtain as are noted in comparison withsalvaand the zygomatic breadth is relatively more incelenda. Fromseclusa, in which the teeth are of comparable size,celendadiffers in that every cranial measurement is more and the skull is 28 per cent heavier. Because the skull ofcelendais so much longer, its dimensions in other planes are less in relation to the length than inseclusa.M. e. celendais larger in every part measured thanhaidarum, 21 per cent heavier, and in relation to the basilar length the interorbital, and preorbital, parts of the skull are smaller, the braincase is shallower, and the skull is relatively wider across the zygomata and mastoid processes. In comparison withkadiacensis, differences are: 26 per cent lighter, skull shorter; in relation to the basilar length, braincase shallower as measured at the anterior end of the basioccipital, tooth-rows shorter but orbitonasal length more. In comparison witharcticaall parts measured of the teeth and skull ofcelendaare smaller and its skull is 34 per cent lighter. In relation to the basilar length, the interorbital breadth ofcelendais only slightly less but its skull is narrower across the rostrum and zygomata, the tooth-rows are shorter, and the braincase is shallower.
Remarks.—The late George Willett in the course of his work in Alaska collected most of the known specimens of this strongly differentiated subspecies. In both coloration and cranial characters the distinguishing features are so well marked that the zoölogist could with reason accord full specific rank tocelenda. Nevertheless it obviously is an ermine. Also, races from other islands of southeastern Alaska tend to bridge the gap, as regards cranial features, betweencelendaand the mainland ermine. The specimen from Dall Island agrees in all respects with topotypes. The specimen from Howkan on Long Island is in white winter pelage and the skull has suffered shrinkage from some chemical solution; the reference of this specimen tocelendais tentative.
Specimens examined.—Total number, 25, as follows: Arranged by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, in U. S. National Museum.Alaska.Prince of Wales Island: Craig, 18 (10 in Mus. Vert. Zoöl., and 8 in Los Angeles Mus. Hist. Art and Sci.); Kasaan Bay, 2; no locality more definite than the Island itself, 3; Dall Island, Otter Harbor, 1 (Los Angeles Mus. Hist. Art and Sci.). Long Island, Howkan, 1 (Field Mus. Nat. Hist.).
Specimens examined.—Total number, 25, as follows: Arranged by localities from north to south. Unless otherwise indicated, in U. S. National Museum.
Alaska.Prince of Wales Island: Craig, 18 (10 in Mus. Vert. Zoöl., and 8 in Los Angeles Mus. Hist. Art and Sci.); Kasaan Bay, 2; no locality more definite than the Island itself, 3; Dall Island, Otter Harbor, 1 (Los Angeles Mus. Hist. Art and Sci.). Long Island, Howkan, 1 (Field Mus. Nat. Hist.).
Ermine
Plates5,6and7
Mustela erminea seclusaHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:39, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Mustela erminea seclusaHall, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, 57:39, June 28, 1944; Hall, Journ. Mamm., 26:181, July 19, 1945.
Type.—Male, adult, skull alone; no. 31232, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Port Santa Cruz, Suemez Island, Alaska; March 24, 1920; obtained by George Willett.The skull (plates5-7) is complete and unbroken. Of the upper incisors only right I3 is present. Otherwise the teeth are present and unbroken.Range.—Known only from the type locality. See figures25,26on pages 95, 134.Characters for ready recognition(only the male known).—Differs fromM. e. celendain basilar length less than 38.2, fromM. e. salva,initisandhaidarumin zygomatic breadth more than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.Description.—SizeandColor.—No external measurements or skins available.Skull.—Male: See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.8 grams; basilar length, 34.3; length of tooth-rows about the same as length of tympanic bulla; 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 more than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.Female.—Skull not available.
Type.—Male, adult, skull alone; no. 31232, Mus. Vert. Zoöl.; Port Santa Cruz, Suemez Island, Alaska; March 24, 1920; obtained by George Willett.
The skull (plates5-7) is complete and unbroken. Of the upper incisors only right I3 is present. Otherwise the teeth are present and unbroken.
Range.—Known only from the type locality. See figures25,26on pages 95, 134.
Characters for ready recognition(only the male known).—Differs fromM. e. celendain basilar length less than 38.2, fromM. e. salva,initisandhaidarumin zygomatic breadth more than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.
Description.—SizeandColor.—No external measurements or skins available.
Skull.—Male: See measurements and plates5-7. As described inMustela erminea richardsoniiexcept that: Weight, 1.8 grams; basilar length, 34.3; length of tooth-rows about the same as length of tympanic bulla; 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 more than distance between last upper molar and jugular foramen.
Female.—Skull not available.