summer ermine crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "summer ermine crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
STOAT: The stoat is an animal closely related to the weasel. While its white winter coat is called ermine, its summer coat is typically brown, hence 'summer ermine'.
More About "summer ermine crossword clue"
The term 'ermine' is often associated with luxury and royalty, specifically referring to the pure white winter coat of the stoat, a species of weasel. However, the same animal, the stoat (Mustela erminea), undergoes a remarkable transformation in its fur color depending on the season and geographic location. In summer, the stoat's fur is primarily brown on its back and sides, with a creamy-white or yellowish belly. This seasonal change, known as molting, helps the stoat camouflage itself in its environment, whether it's snow-covered or verdant with vegetation.
When a crossword clue uses 'summer ermine,' it's cleverly pointing towards the stoat in its less famously white, but equally natural, summer attire. This clue challenges solvers to look beyond the common perception of ermine and recall the animal's full biological reality. Understanding this distinction is key to unlocking the answer in many crossword puzzles, as it tests one's knowledge of both animal terminology and natural history. The stoat is a small, agile predator found across various northern habitats.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Seasonally: When a clue includes a seasonal modifier like 'summer' or 'winter,' consider how the object or animal might change during that time. For 'summer ermine,' this points away from the familiar white fur.
- Identify the Core Noun: Break down the clue to its essential elements. 'Ermine' is the core noun here. Then, think about what an ermine *really* is, beyond its famous coat.
- Consider Related Terms: If 'ermine' brings you to 'weasel,' think about other animals in the weasel family. The stoat is a direct relative and often the precise answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "summer ermine"?
A "summer ermine" refers to a stoat (Mustela erminea) when it has its brown summer coat. The term "ermine" specifically denotes the stoat in its white winter fur, prized for its use in royal robes.
How does the stoat's fur change?
Stoats undergo a seasonal molt. In winter, especially in northern regions, their fur turns pure white, except for the black tip of their tail. In warmer months, their fur reverts to a brown color on top with a creamy underside.
Why do crosswords use clues like "summer ermine"?
Crossword constructors often use such clues to test a solver's deeper knowledge of a subject, moving beyond common associations. It's a way to make the clue more challenging and specific, requiring knowledge of the animal's natural variations.