American Cross Fox
This is actually a partially-melanistic form of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) - like the fully-melanistic silver fox, the only difference between the Cross Fox and the red fox is the coloration of the coat. There seem to be differences in body size and coat texture between the three, but it’s been shown that those differences are due to environment and diet.
The Quadrupeds of North America. John James Audubon, 1851.
The information above is correct, however the accompanying illustration is a grey fox, not a cross fox. They have a similar coat pattern, but the grey is a separate species from the red. At any rate, I love these illustrations. Even if Audubon was a bit of a bastard. ;)
I seem to have posted the wrong fox.
Whoops.
(via biomedicalephemera)
