Asked by crotalus77. Although creatures in the weasel family are often just called weasels, they are actually split up into a variety of species. Historically, skunks have also been included in Mustelidae, but genetic analyses suggest that they belong to a separate family of their own (Mephitidae). Stoat Family & Related Animals. In addition to weasels (including the stoat), Mustelidae also contains badgers, otters, martens, mink and the wolverine. Apart from weasels, other members of the Mustela genus include ferrets, stoats, polecats, badgers, fishers, martens, otters, tayras, minks and wolverines. Weasels belong to the family of carnivores known to biologists as Mustelidae — a taxonomic moniker that translates crudely to "mouse stealers" and includes 64 species worldwide. The Mustelidae are a diverse family and the largest in the order Carnivora. The family Mustelidae, or mustelids, (which also includes badgers, otters, and wolverines) is often referred to as the "weasel family". Question #85407. This family is sometimes called the ‘weasel family’. WEASEL FAMILY General features and members of the family. Mustela erminea Stoat Mustela nivalis Weasel … A weasel / ˈ w iː z əl / is a mammal of the genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae.The genus Mustela includes the least weasels, polecats, stoats, ferrets and mink.Members of this genus are small, active predators, with long and slender bodies and short legs. ak2 Answer has 3 votes Currently Best Answer. Weasel family. Weasel (Mustela nivalis) and stoat (Mustela erminea) Weasels and stoats are generally much smaller than the rest of the mustelids. 1. Mustelids are All members of the family have glands (small sacs) near their bottom that release a strong-smelling scent. Skunks and wolverines are related, but have stockier bodies and are more omnivorous, meaning they eat roots and berries, as well as hunting prey. The stoat is a member of the family Mustelidae. The weasel belongs to the Mustelidae family and the genus Mustela. The least weasel, also known as the common weasel, or simply the weasel in the UK and much of the world, is the smallest member of the genus Mustela, and the smallest member of the order Carnivora. Martens have a similar shape, but are more at home in trees, while minks hunt in water. Which member of the weasel family is the largest, the giant river otter of South America or the wolverine of North America? Winter coat: Same as the stoat and the long-tailed weasel… Mustelids (from the Latin mustela, weasel), are commonly referred to as the weasel family, and are a family of carnivorous mammals. Thus, it’s often stated that ‘the mustelids belong to the weasel family’. It is the largest family … ak2 13 year member 103 replies Answer has 3 votes. Appearance. You might be seeing an ermine, otherwise known as a stoat or short-tailed weasel, (Mustela erminea), the least weasel (Mustela nivalis) or a mink (Mustela vison). Mustelidae - Weasel family. The weasel family is one of five families of dog-like mammals descended from the wolf-like Vulperines and comprises five sub-families of 55 species in 24 genera: Subfamily Mustelinae: weasels, stoats, mink, polecats, martens, wolverines; The Mustelidae (/ m ʌ ˈ s t ɛ l ɪ d iː /; from Latin mustela, weasel) are a family of carnivorous mammals, including weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, martens, minks, and wolverines, among others. The other distinguishing feature is the sharp contrast between the reddish-brown coat colour on their back and sides and the creamy white fur on the throat, chest and belly. Mustelids include the polecats, the badgers, the martens, the otters, the wolverine, and other members of the weasel family. Also contains badgers, otters, martens, mink and the largest in the weasel family ’ are!, otters, martens, mink and the largest, the giant river otter of South America or wolverine. 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