What term is used for the long-tailed weasel (*Mustela frenata*) when its coat turns white in northern winters?
Answer
ermine
The long-tailed weasel, scientifically known as *Mustela frenata*, undergoes a distinct seasonal change in its coloration when residing in colder northern regions. During the winter months, to maintain camouflage against the snow, its fur transitions from its typical coloration to entirely white. This white-coated form is specifically referred to by the term ermine. This adaptation is vital for survival, allowing the predator to remain concealed both while hunting prey and while avoiding larger predators in snowy environments. The shift in coat color is a well-known characteristic associated with this species in higher latitudes.
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