Biology:Polecat
Polecat is a common name for several cat-like mustelid species in the subfamilies Ictonychinae[1] and Mustelinae. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade). The name is applied to several species with broad similarities to European polecats, such as having a dark mask-like marking across the face.
In the United States, the term polecat is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term polecat is sometimes used as a colloquial nickname for the skunk, which is part of the family Mephitidae.[2]
Greek mythology
The polecat, in accordance with Greek mythology, is one of the symbols that represents Hekate along with two torches.[3][4]
It represents Hekate for two reasons, one being that Galinthias, the nurse of Alkmene was turned into a polecat and Hekate took pity on her. The other reason is that Gale the Witch was turned into a polecat as punishment by Hekate.[3]
Taxonomy
According to the most recent taxonomic scheme proposing eight subfamilies within Mustelidae, polecats are classified as:
Subfamily Ictonychinae
- Genus Ictonyx
- Striped polecat, I. striatus, (native to Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa)
- Saharan striped polecat, I. libycus (Sahara)
- Genus Vormela
- Marbled polecat, V. peregusna (Southeastern Europe to western China)
Subfamily Mustelinae
- Genus Mustela
- Steppe polecat, M. eversmannii (Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia)
- American polecat (Black-footed ferret) M. nigripes (Southwest United States)
- European polecat, M. putorius (Western Eurasia and North Africa)
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Striped polecat -
Steppe polecat -
Black-footed ferret, the "American polecat" -
European polecat -
Marbled polecat
See also
References
- ↑ Nascimento, Fabio Oliveira do (2014). "On the correct name for some subfamilies of Mustelidae (Mammalia, Carnivora)". Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia 54 (21): 307–313. doi:10.1590/0031-1049.2014.54.21. ISSN 0031-1049. http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7e2f/b2cd266caa706d759bbf980da5ed044d3228.pdf.
- ↑ "Skunk Fact Sheet" (in en). The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/fact-sheets/2005_skunk.pdf.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "What is the symbol of Hecate?" (in en). https://history.answers.com/ancient-history/What_is_the_symbol_of_Hecate.
- ↑ "HECATE (Hekate) - Greek Goddess of Witchcraft, Magic & Ghosts". Theoi Greek Mythology. https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html.
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Short description: Index of animals with the same common name
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