musteline mammal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "musteline mammal crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore solutions across various letter counts below!
Solutions for "musteline mammal crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MINK: A carnivorous, semi-aquatic mustelid often farmed for its valuable fur.
5 Letters
OTTER: An amphibious mustelid known for its playful nature and fish-eating diet, found in rivers and coastal areas.
6 Letters
WEASEL: A small, slender, and agile mustelid, known for its quick movements and predatory habits.
BADGER: A stout, nocturnal mustelid recognized by its distinctive striped face, known for digging extensive burrows.
FERRET: A domesticated mustelid, typically kept as a pet or used for hunting vermin due to its long, agile body.
MARTEN: A tree-dwelling mustelid with a bushy tail, typically found in northern coniferous and deciduous forests.
ERMINE: The name given to a short-tailed weasel in its white winter coat, historically valued for royal garments.
7 Letters
POLECAT: A type of weasel with a strong, musky odor, often associated with its European species.
9 Letters
WOLVERINE: The largest land-dwelling mustelid, known for its strength, tenacity, and reputation as a fierce predator.
More About "musteline mammal crossword clue"
The term "musteline mammal" refers to any animal belonging to the Mustelidae family, one of the most diverse groups of carnivorous mammals. This family encompasses a wide range of fascinating creatures, from the tiny weasel to the formidable wolverine, and includes popular animals like otters, badgers, and minks. What unites these creatures is not just their shared lineage but often their characteristic long, slender bodies, short legs, and potent scent glands.
In the world of crosswords, mustelids are a rich source of clues due to their distinct names and varying letter counts. Their unique attributes—like the aquatic lifestyle of an otter, the burrowing habit of a badger, or the valuable fur of a mink—frequently provide the thematic hints within a clue. Understanding the common members of this family can significantly improve your chances of solving such clues, especially when paired with knowledge of their typical habitats or distinguishing features.
Crossword setters love to use these terms because they are widely recognized yet diverse enough to fit different puzzle grid requirements. Keeping a mental list of common mustelids by their letter count can be a valuable tool for any avid crossword solver encountering this type of clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: When you encounter a clue like "musteline mammal," immediately check the number of letters required for the answer. This dramatically narrows down the possibilities (e.g., if it's 4 letters, MINK is a strong candidate; if 6, it could be WEASEL, BADGER, or OTTER).
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While common mustelids like WEASEL or OTTER are frequent answers, don't forget less common but still popular crossword terms like ERMINE (a weasel in winter coat) or POLECAT. The clue might provide a subtle hint to these less common forms.
- Look for Descriptive Adjectives: Clues often contain adjectives that narrow down the mustelid. "Aquatic mustelid" strongly points to OTTER, while "burrowing mustelid" suggests BADGER. Pay close attention to these qualifiers.
- Check for Plurals or Specific Species: Sometimes the clue might ask for a plural (e.g., "Mustelids") or a very specific, lesser-known species. Always double-check if the answer fits the specific wording of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a musteline mammal?
A musteline mammal is an animal belonging to the family Mustelidae, which is a diverse group of carnivorous mammals. This family includes weasels, badgers, otters, ferrets, minks, and martens, among others. They are typically characterized by long, slender bodies, short legs, and a strong, musky odor.
Why are mustelids common in crossword puzzles?
Mustelids are common in crossword puzzles due to their distinct names and varying letter lengths, providing setters with flexible options. Words like 'MINK', 'OTTER', 'WEASEL', and 'BADGER' are familiar to many and fit well into grids of different sizes.
How can I identify a musteline mammal from a clue?
Look for keywords related to their characteristics or habitats. Clues might mention 'sleek fur', 'aquatic animal', 'burrower', 'strong scent', or specific locations like 'northern forests' or 'riverside dweller'. Combining these hints with the letter count will often lead you to the correct mustelid.