SKUNKS. 75 



and, although there is a great amount of individual variation, the white markings 

 usually take the form of a streak on the forehead, a spot on the neck, and two 

 stripes running down the back. The tail is black, more or less mixed with white, 

 or merely tipped with the same. In some cases the white stripes do not extend 

 beyond the neck, so that the back is entirely black. 



Long-Tailed The nearly-allied long-tailed skunk (M. macrura) from Mexico 



Skunk. differs by its longer and more bushy tail, of which the whole length 

 is not less than that of the head and body. 



More distinct is the lesser skunk (M. putorius), ranging from the 

 Lesser Skunk 



southern United States to Yucatan and Guatemala. This species 



never exceeds a foot in length from the snout to the root of the tail, the whole tail 

 being distinctly shorter than the head and body. It has four interrupted white 

 stripes on the body, together with some spots, and the tail is tipped with white. 

 There are also certain differences in the characters of the skull. 

 White-Backed In South America the group is represented by a very distinct 



skunk. species known as the white -backed skunk (Conepatus mapurito), 

 which is the one figured in our illustration. This skunk differs from all the others by 

 its heavier build and more pig-like head and snout, in which the nostrils are directed 

 downwards and forwards, instead of laterally. There are, moreover, important 

 differences in the form of the skull and teeth, the latter being usually only thirty- 

 two in number, owing to the absence of the first pair of premolar teeth in the lower 

 jaw. Then, again,, the ears are extremely small, and the tail is shorter and less 

 bushy than in the other skunks. In size this species is the largest of the group, 

 some specimens attaining a length of about 24 inches, exclusive of the tail, although 

 the more usual dimension is about 18 inches. The colour is even more variable 

 than in the common skunk, but in general the two white stripes on the back are 

 very wide, and may either completely unite, or, as in our illustration, be separated 

 merely by a narrow dark band, the tail being either pure white or black and white. 

 The coloration of this species shows, therefore, very markedly the general light 

 colour of the upper, as compared with the lower surface of the body. 



The range of this species extends .northwards from Patagonia and Chili through 

 Central America to Texas. 



Subj ect to certain modifications, engendered by their surroundings, 

 the habits of all the species of skunks are very similar, and they will 

 accordingly be treated of collectively. 



Skunks are good climbers, but appear to prefer clearings and open glades 

 rather than dense forests, and they may be frequently found in the neighbourhood 

 of human dwellings ; although in Patagonia and the Argentine pampas they inhabit 

 perfectly open country. In common with other members of the family they are 

 largely nocturnal, but may be met with walking abroad in the evenings in North 

 America, while Darwin states that in Patagonia the white-backed species, " conscious 

 of its power, roams by day about the open plains, and fears neither dog nor man." 



This indifference to the presence of other creatures is, indeed, one of the most 

 striking characteristics of the group, and is, as suggested in the passage cited, 

 doubtless due to the immunity of attack which these creatures possess, owing to 

 their nauseous secretion. Thus Mr. Belt states that in Nicaragua " the skunk goes 



