Weasel

Mustela nivalis
Common name
Weasel
Dialect name
Belura
Scientific name
Mustela nivalis
Type
Mammal

Description

La Weasel is a small carnivorous mammal in the family Mustelidae, known for its agility and speed. With a body length of about 20-30 cm and a tail that measures 4-9 cm, the weasel is one of the smallest members of its family. Its weight is around 100-250 grams, depending on age and condition. Its body is jointed and slender, with short legs and a small, tapered head. The eyes are dark and the ears, also small, are clearly visible.

Its plumage is generally brown or gray on the back and white on the belly, with a clear separation between the two colorations. During winter, especially in colder areas, the weasel may develop a completely white, ermine-like coat, with the exception of the tip of the tail, which remains black.

The weasel is a solitary and territorial animal, found in a wide range of environments, such as forests, fields, grasslands and even in more mountainous areas. An agile and fast predator, the weasel feeds mainly on small rodents, birds, insects and sometimes even eggs. Its ability to squeeze into narrow crevices and its speed enable it to hunt effectively, even in prey burrows.

Nocturnal in nature, the weasel can also be active during the day, especially during hunting season. Reproduction generally occurs in spring, with the female giving birth to 4 to 7 young, which will remain with their mother until they become independent. The weasel is a very adaptable and hardy animal, able to survive in a variety of environments.

Scientific Classification

Domain
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Mustelidae
Genus
Mustela
Species
nivalis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Subspecies
vulgaris (Erxleben 1777)
Scientific name
Mustela nivalis

Preserved specimen

Taxidermied specimen on rigid wooden support (log); good condition. It is displayed in a display case set in the museum's Eco-Fauna Room.

Cataloging

SIRBeC
7s060-00128

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Association “Storia Natura e Vita”
Piazza Camozzi, 2
22010 Grandola ed Uniti (CO) –
Italy

VAT ID: IT 03290790132
Tax ID: 93007310134

[email protected]

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