Polecat

Polecat is a common name for several mustelid species in the order Carnivora and subfamilies Ictonychinae^[1] and Mustelinae. Polecats do not form a single taxonomic rank (i.e. clade). The name is applied to several species with broad similarities to European polecats, such as having a dark mask-like marking across the face.

^[2]In the United States, the term polecat is sometimes applied to the black-footed ferret, a native member of the Mustelinae. In Southern United States dialect, the term polecat is sometimes used as a colloquial nickname for the skunk, which is part of the family Mephitidae.^[3]

The polecat, in accordance with Greek mythology, is one of the symbols that represents Hekate along with two torches.^[2][4]

It represents Hekate for two reasons, one being that Galinthias, the nurse of Alkmene was turned into a polecat and Hekate took pity on her. The other [reason] is that Gale the Witch was turned into one [a polecat] as punishment by Hekate.^[2]

According to the most recent taxonomic scheme proposing eight subfamilies within Mustelidae, polecats are classified as:

Subfamily Ictonychinae

• Genus Ictonyx
  • Striped polecat, I. striatus, (native to Central, Southern, and sub-Saharan Africa)
  • Saharan striped polecat, I. libycus (Sahara)
• Genus Vormela
  • Marbled polecat, V. peregusna (Southeastern Europe to western China)

Subfamily Mustelinae

• Genus Mustela
  • Steppe polecat, M. eversmannii (Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia)
  • American polecat (Black-footed ferret) M. nigripes (Southwest United States)
  • European polecat, M. putorius (Western Eurasia and North Africa)

• 
  Striped polecat
• 
  Steppe polecat
• 
  Black-footed ferret, the “American polecat”
• 
  European polecat
• 
  Marbled polecat

• Polecat–mink hybrid
• Polecat–ferret hybrid