Western Spotted Skunk
Encyclopedia
The Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis) is a spotted skunk
found throughout the western United States
, northern Mexico
, and southwestern British Columbia
. With a total length of 35–55 cm (13.8–21.7 in), the Western Spotted Skunk is smaller than the Striped Skunk
(Mephitis mephitis). Their habitat is mixed woodlands, open areas, and farmlands. They ascend to scare predators. They spray by standing on their forelegs and raising their hindlegs and tail in the air.
in 1890; its specific name, gracilis, is derived from the Latin
for "slender". Although it was thought for years to be conspecific with the Eastern Spotted Skunk (S. putorius), the presence of delayed implantation
in the Western Spotted Skunk clearly sets it apart.
Seven subspecies are generally recognized:
Spotted Skunk
The Eastern Spotted Skunk is smaller and more weasel-like than the striped skunk. The spotted skunks are faster and more agile than the striped skunks and they have better pelts. For the last 100 years, the Eastern Spotted Skunk was bred for its fine silky fur...
found throughout the western United States
Western United States
.The Western United States, commonly referred to as the American West or simply "the West," traditionally refers to the region comprising the westernmost states of the United States. Because the U.S. expanded westward after its founding, the meaning of the West has evolved over time...
, northern Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, and southwestern British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. With a total length of 35–55 cm (13.8–21.7 in), the Western Spotted Skunk is smaller than the Striped Skunk
Striped Skunk
The striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis, is an omnivorous mammal of the skunk family Mephitidae. Found over most of the North American continent north of Mexico, it is one of the best-known mammals in Canada and the United States.-Description:...
(Mephitis mephitis). Their habitat is mixed woodlands, open areas, and farmlands. They ascend to scare predators. They spray by standing on their forelegs and raising their hindlegs and tail in the air.
Taxonomy and etymology
The Western Spotted Skunk was first described by Clinton Hart MerriamClinton Hart Merriam
Clinton Hart Merriam was an American zoologist, ornithologist, entomologist and ethnographer.Known as "Hart" to his friends, Dr. Clinton Hart Merriam was born in New York City in 1855. His father, Clinton Levi Merriam, was a U.S. congressman. He studied biology and anatomy at Yale University and...
in 1890; its specific name, gracilis, is derived from the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
for "slender". Although it was thought for years to be conspecific with the Eastern Spotted Skunk (S. putorius), the presence of delayed implantation
Embryonic diapause
Delayed Implantation or Embryonic Diapause is a reproductive strategy used by approximately 100 different mammals in seven or eight different orders. In embryonic diapause, the embryo does not immediately implant in the uterus, but is maintained in a state of dormancy. Little to no development...
in the Western Spotted Skunk clearly sets it apart.
Seven subspecies are generally recognized:
- S. g. amphiala (=amphialus) Dickey, 1929 - Channel Islands Spotted SkunkChannel Islands Spotted SkunkThe Channel Islands spotted skunk, Santa Rosa Island spotted skunk, or island spotted skunk is a subspecies of North American skunk about which little is known. It is native to just three islands off the coast of Southern California , and may be extinct on one...
(Channel Islands of CaliforniaChannel Islands of CaliforniaThe Channel Islands of California are a chain of eight islands located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California along the Santa Barbara Channel in the United States of America...
) - S. g. gracilis Merriam, 1890
- S. g. latifrons Merriam, 1890
- S. g. leucoparia Merriam, 1890
- S. g. lucasana Merriam, 1890
- S. g. martirensis ElliotDaniel Giraud ElliotDaniel Giraud Elliot was an American zoologist.Elliot was one of the founders of the American Museum of Natural History in New York and the American Ornithologists' Union. He was also curator of zoology at the Field Museum in Chicago.Elliot used his wealth to publish a series of sumptuous...
, 1903 - S. g. phenax Merriam, 1890