Spilogale pygmaea Thomas, 1898

Pygmy spotted-skunk


Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU) external link Showing: scientific names

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Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Author
Bradley David Gay, University of Michigan
Location
Citation
Gay, B. 1999. "Spilogale pygmaea" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 26, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Spilogale_pygmaea.html. 

 

The spotted skunk is the most weasel-like of the three main skunk genus. It has a smaller, more slender body and a finer coat then it's closest relatives. Pygmy spotted skunks reach a length of 115-345 mm with a tail of 70-120 mm. It has a beatiful, rich black coat with characteristic white markings on its forehead and 2-6 white stripes over its back and sides. The stripes break into spots over the hindquarters. The tail is often tipped in white, although no two patterns are alike

 

Like all skunks, they posses two grape sized scent gland on either side of the anus.

 
"Spilogale pygmaea Thomas, 1898". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/311566". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.