Black Color Morph of the Brown Lemming, Lemmus trimucronatus = L. sibiricus

Authors

  • Denver W. Holt Owl Research Institute, P.O. Box 39, Charlo, Montana 59824
  • Michael T. Maples Owl Research Institute, P.O. Box 39, Charlo, Montana 59824
  • Chris Savok P.O. Box 2097 Barrow, Alaska 99723

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i3.808

Keywords:

Brown Lemming, Lemmus trimucronatus = Lemmus sibiricus, melanism, black morph, colour morph, Alaska

Abstract

A black pelage Brown Lemming is reported from Barrow, Alaska. The occurrence of this black color morph appears to be rare. During twelve years of Snowy Owl research and lemming trapping, only one has been seen. Of 554 snap-trapped Brown Lemmings and 1649 Brown Lemmings found cached at owl nests, no black individuals were found. The pelage of the black morph is described using a Munsell Soil Color Chart.

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Issue

Vol. 117 No. 3 (2003)

Section

Notes

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