Descriptions of East Asiatic Mammals 151 
across to Siberia and into North America. The Eurasian Least 
Weasel, M. r. pygmcea, is a race from northern Siberia. An- 
other race, M. r. namiyei, is present on Hondo, Japan. The 
length of head and body is from 5% to 6% inches, of the tail 
% to % inch, and of the foot, % to 1 inch. 
The Duke of Bedford's Least Weasel, M. russelliana, 
found in Szechwan, is yellow beneath and has the tail twice as 
long as the hind foot. Its head and body measure 5% inches. 
The Snow Weasel, M. nivalis, a European species similar to 
but distinct from rixosa, according to Allen apparently fails to 
reach eastern Siberia. 
THE FERRET BADGERS (SUBFAMILY HELICTIDIN^) 
This subfamily, containing only the genus Helictis, can be 
recognized by the long, narrow, cartilaginous muzzle, narrow 
feet, and the faint transverse stripes on the foot pads. The form 
of the shearing teeth suggests distant relationship to the 
Martens. 
The general color scheme is brownish gray above, with white 
marks on the forehead, cheeks, tips of ears, and often on the 
nape and shoulders. There are 4 inguinal nipples. 
Ferret Badgers, which are nocturnal burrowers, may be found 
both in woods and in grasslands. They are apparently omniv- 
orous, eating birds, worms, fruit, and berries. At least 3 young 
are born. The genus is confined to the tropics and subtropics. 
There are three species groups in Helictis, the typical one being 
H. moschata of south China; Helictis personata is from lower 
Burma (Pegu) and H. everetti is Bornean. Helictis moschata 
has smaller teeth and narrower jaws than H. personata. 
The Common Ferret Badger, Helictis moschata, varies in 
color from blackish gray to brownish gray. The marks on the 
face, cheeks, the neck stripe, and the underparts are yellowish 
white. The length of the head and body is 14 to 15 inches, of the 
