Mustela erminea
Also known as stoat, short-tailed stoat, ermelin, short-tailed weasel, ermilin, ermine
The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine or ermine, is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The name ermine () is used especially in its pure white winter coat of the stoat or its fur. Ermine fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It has long been used on the ceremonial robes of members of the United Kingdom House of Lords. It was also used in capes on images such as the
AI overview
The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine, is a small carnivorous mammal found across Eurasia and northern North America that has historically been valued for its white winter fur, which was used in royal and ceremonial clothing. Because of its wide distribution across the northern regions of the world, the species is considered stable and not at risk of extinction.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Species
Least ConcernSPECIES
- KingdomAnimalia
- PhylumChordata
- ClassMammalia
- OrderCarnivora
- FamilyMustelidae
via GBIF · IUCN
Wikidata facts
- Image
- Røyskatt (Mustela erminea erminea), Lista, Norway.jpg
Sources (12)
Article
24 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Taxonomy
- Subspecies
- Evolution
- Description
- Build
- Fur
- Distribution and habitat
- Introduction to New Zealand
- Behaviour and ecology
- Reproduction and development
- Territorial and sheltering behaviour
- Diet
- Communication
- Predators
- Diseases and parasites
- In culture
- Folklore and mythology
- Milano Cortina 2026
- Fur use
- References
- Citations
- Bibliography
- External links
The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the Eurasian ermine or ermine, is a species of mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern regions of North America. Because of its wide circumpolar distribution, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The name ermine () is used especially in its pure white winter coat of the stoat or its fur. Ermine fur was used in the 15th century by Catholic monarchs, who sometimes used it as the mozzetta cape. It has long been used on the ceremonial robes of members of the United Kingdom House of Lords. It was also used in capes on images such as the Infant Jesus of Prague.
The stoat was introduced into New Zealand in the late 19th century to control rabbits. However, they have had a devastating effect on native bird populations; as such, the species was nominated as one of the world's top 100 "worst invaders".