Ermine, northern weasel species in the genus Mustela, family Mustelidae. The animal’s pelt was used historically in royal robes in Europe, and the term ermine also refers to the animal’s white coat.
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 ermine, a creature of striking beauty and remarkable adaptability, holds a special place in both natural history and human culture. Often referred to as a stoat, this small but fierce member of the weasel family is a master of camouflage and a skilled predator.
The ermine (Mustela erminea) is a mustelid native to Eurasia and the northern portions of North America. Introduced in the late 19th century into New Zealand to control rabbits, the ermine has had a devastating effect on native bird populations.
Is it a stoat, a white weasel, or an ermine? Discover the secrets of this fierce Arctic predator. Learn why the ermine is the tundra’s toughest hunter.
The stoat (also widely called the ermine) is a small mustelid predator of the Northern Hemisphere. It is notable for its seasonal coat change—brown above and pale below in summer, often turning white in winter while retaining a distinctive black tail tip.
The Ermine, also known as the stoat or short-tailed weasel, is a small but fierce predator renowned for its beautiful fur and adaptability to cold environments.
Ermine are small carnivores in the weasel family (Mustelidae). The major identification challenge is distinguishing ermine from long-tailed weasels and least weasels.