SKUNKS. ifs 
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 eases 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 (JZ. putorius), ranging from the 
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. 
Subject 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 
Lesser Skunk. 
Habits. 
