Editing Stoat (section)

==Description==
===Build===
[[File:Stoat and weasel.jpg|thumb|Stoat (left) and least weasel (right) pelts—note the stoat's larger size and black tail-tip]]
The stoat is similar to the least weasel in general proportions, manner of posture, and movement, though the tail is relatively longer, always exceeding a third of the body length,{{clarify|date=March 2023|reason=define what this means: including tail?}}<ref name="s997">{{Harvnb|Heptner|Sludskii|2002|p=997}}</ref> though it is shorter than that of the long-tailed weasel. The stoat has an elongated neck, the head being set exceptionally far in front of the shoulders. The trunk is nearly cylindrical, and does not bulge at the abdomen. The greatest circumference of body is little
more than half its length.<ref name="c117">{{Harvnb|Coues|1877|pp=117–121}}</ref> The skull, although very similar to that of the least weasel, is relatively longer, with a narrower [[braincase]]. The projections of the skull and teeth are weakly developed, but stronger than those of the least weasel.<ref name="s999">{{Harvnb|Heptner|Sludskii|2002|p=999}}</ref> The eyes are round, black and protrude slightly. The [[whiskers]] are brown or white in colour, and very long. The ears are short, rounded and lie almost flattened against the skull. The claws are not retractable, and are large in proportion to the digits. Each foot has five toes. The male stoat has a curved [[baculum]] with a proximal knob that increases in weight as it ages.<ref name="h457"/> [[Fat]] is deposited primarily along the spine and kidneys, then on gut mesenteries, under the limbs and around the shoulders. The stoat has four pairs of nipples, though they are visible only in females.<ref name="h457">{{Harvnb|Harris|Yalden|2008|p=457}}</ref>

[[File:Weasel (Mustela erminea).jpg|thumb|Skeleton]]
The dimensions of the stoat are variable, but not as significantly as the least weasel's.<ref name="s1002"/> Unusual among the Carnivora, the size of stoats tends to decrease proportionally with latitude, in contradiction to [[Bergmann's rule]].<ref name="k101"/> [[Sexual dimorphism]] in size is pronounced, with males being roughly 25% larger than females and 1.5-2.0 times their weight.<ref name="h459"/> On average, males measure {{cvt|187|–|325|mm}} in body length, while females measure {{cvt|170|–|270|mm}}. The tail measures {{cvt|75|–|120|mm}} in males and {{cvt|65|–|106|mm}} in females. In males, the hind foot measures {{cvt|40.0|-|48.2|mm}}, while in females it is {{cvt|37.0|-|47.6|mm}}. The height of the ear measures {{cvt|18.0|-|23.2|mm}} in males and {{cvt|14.0|-|23.3|mm}}. The skulls of males measure {{cvt|39.3|-|52.2|mm}} in length, while those of females measure {{cvt|35.7|-|45.8|mm}}. Males average {{cvt|258|g}} in weight, while females weigh less than {{cvt|180|g}}.<ref name="s1002">{{Harvnb|Heptner|Sludskii|2002|p=1002}}</ref>

The stoat has large anal [[scent gland]]s measuring {{cvt|8.5|x|5|mm}} in males and smaller in females. Scent glands are also present on the cheeks, belly and flanks.<ref name="h457"/> [[Epidermis (zoology)|Epidermal]] secretions, which are deposited during [[scent rubbing|body rubbing]], are chemically distinct from the products of the anal scent glands, which contain a higher proportion of volatile chemicals. When attacked or being aggressive, the stoat secretes the contents of its [[anal gland]]s, giving rise to a strong, musky odour produced by several sulphuric compounds. The odour is distinct from that of least weasels.<ref name="h460"/>

===Fur===
[[File:Mustela erminea winter cropped.jpg|thumb|A stoat in winter fur]]
The winter fur is very dense and silky, but quite closely lying and short, while the summer fur is rougher, shorter and sparse.<ref name="s997"/> In summer, the fur is sandy-brown on the back and head and a white below. The division between the dark back and the light belly is usually straight, though this trait is only present in 13.5% of Irish stoats. The stoat moults twice a year. In spring, the moult is slow, starting from the forehead, across the back, toward the belly. In autumn, the moult is quicker, progressing in the reverse direction. The moult, initiated by [[photoperiod]], starts earlier in autumn and later in spring at higher latitudes. In the stoat's northern range, it adopts a completely white coat (save for the black tail-tip) during the winter period.<ref name="h457"/> Differences in the winter and summer coats are less apparent in southern forms of the species.<ref name="s998">{{Harvnb|Heptner|Sludskii|2002|p=998}}</ref> In the species' southern range, the coat remains brown, but is denser and sometimes paler than in summer.<ref name="h457"/>