CreatureData

Least weasel vs Stoat

The stoat is heavier: 119.4 g against 103.9 g for the least weasel, about 15% more.

Least weasel (Mustela nivalis)
Least weasel LCLeast Concern
Photo: Keven Law · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Stoat LCLeast Concern
Photo: Marton Berntsen , crop by User:MPF · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between a least weasel and a stoat?

Each point below is worked out from a pair of recorded values.

  • The stoat is heavier: 119.4 g against 103.9 g for the least weasel, about 15% more.
  • The stoat is longer-lived: 11.1 years against 9.55 years for the least weasel, about 17% longer.
  • Both belong to the genus Mustela, so they are close relatives.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Side by side

Least weaselStoat
Scientific nameMustela nivalisMustela erminea
FamilyMustelidaeMustelidae
OrderCarnivoraCarnivora
Weight49.8 g – 115 g110.3 g – 324 g
LengthNot recordedNot recorded
Lifespan9.55 years5 years – 11.1 years
Main foodNot recordedarvicola amphibius, european hamster, ochotona, poponejo
Habitatforestforest, shrubland
Conservation statusLeast ConcernLeast Concern
Countries recordedNot recorded1

A scale drawing needs a recorded length for both animals; only weights are on record for this pair.

Full record: Least weaselFull record: StoatCompare other animals