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since I really don't know where else to post this.. I can't remember where you asked... and I love taxonomic babble...
a mustelid is a member of the family mustelidae or more specifically the genus mustela. To be in the family mustelidae, I am not certain, has to do with the presence of oil glands in the coat, one of the reasons members of this family are often prized by furriers. Tbe hairs also tend to be lightweight but provide excellent insulation (and, in my opinion, generally look better on the original animal).
To be of the genus mustela, the distinguishing characteristic is the ability to emit a spray of strongly scented liquid from glands near the tail, a musk, usually of a type that is offensive and strong enough that other creatures stay away.
they are classified as order carnivora (which has to do with what kind of teeth they have) and more specifically, fissipedia (which has to do with the structure of the foot and how they walk). They are not rodents, which are not considered carnivora, but have their own order, rodentia (again, a tooth thing).
members of the family mustelidae:
sea otters
wolverines
martens
skunks
badgers
as well as members of the genus mustela:
ermines
minks
polecats
*ferrets*
hope that helps clear up your obsessions,
LunaMoth
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