What is the scientific name for a fox? The term fox scientific name usually refers to the species Vulpes vulpes, which is the scientific name for the red fox.
The fox is one of the most outwardly recognized wild animal species, typically characterized by shrewdness and sharp features. The article will examine the foxes’ scientific names and their biological classification. Subsequently, you will find an elaborate list of 50 fox species alongside their correct scientific names. Admission shall be granted to the pronunciation, meaning, classification, and some weird facts about foxes.
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What Is the Fox Scientific Name?
The fox’s scientific name typically refers to the species Vulpes vulpes, which is the zoological name for the red fox. Although the genus Vulpes covers many species of foxes, red foxes are the most conspicuous and most commonly known.
- Red Fox Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpes
- Biological name for the fox: Vulpes (genus) varies depending on the species name
The family Canidae includes foxes, wolves, dogs, and coyotes.
Pronunciation of Fox Scientific Names
Here is how to pronounce a few important fox scientific names:
- Vulpes vulpes (Red fox): VUL-peez VUL-peeze
- Vulpes lagopus (Arctic fox): VUL-peez LAG-oh-puss
- Vulpes zerda (Fennec fox): VUL-peez ZER-duh
- Vulpes bengalensis (Bengal fox): VUL-peez ben-ga-LEN-sis
Meaning of Fox Scientific Names
The genus name Vulpes means “fox” in Latin. Specific names often denote structural characteristics or geographical origin.
- vulpes: “fox”
- lagopus: “hare foot,” referring to the furry feet of the Arctic fox.
- zerda: from Arabic, meaning desert, referring to where the fennec fox is found.
- bengalensis: found in the Bengal region where the Bengal fox inhabits.
Classification of Fox
Classification of the common red fox:
| Taxonomy Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Canidae |
| Genus | Vulpes |
| Species | vulpes |
Foxes are small to medium-sized mammals that live in diverse habitats around the world.
List of 50 Fox Species and Their Scientific Names
Here is a comprehensive list of 50 fox species with their binomial names:
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Red Fox | Vulpes vulpes |
| Arctic Fox | Vulpes lagopus |
| Fennec Fox | Vulpes zerda |
| Bengal Fox | Vulpes bengalensis |
| Cape Fox | Vulpes chama |
| Blanford’s Fox | Vulpes cana |
| Corsac Fox | Vulpes corsac |
| Pale Fox | Vulpes pallida |
| Tibetan Fox | Vulpes ferrilata |
| Rüppell’s Fox | Vulpes rueppellii |
| Kit Fox | Vulpes macrotis |
| Swift Fox | Vulpes velox |
| Sierra Madre Fox | Urocyon madrensis |
| Gray Fox | Urocyon cinereoargenteus |
| Island Fox | Urocyon littoralis |
| Hoary Fox | Lycalopex vetulus |
| Pampas Fox | Lycalopex gymnocercus |
| Darwin’s Fox | Lycalopex fulvipes |
| Culpeo Fox | Lycalopex culpaeus |
| Sechura Fox | Lycalopex sechurae |
| Andean Fox | Lycalopex culpaeus |
| South American Gray Fox | Lycalopex griseus |
| Crab-eating Fox | Cerdocyon thous |
| Hoary Fox | Lycalopex vetulus |
| Pampas Fox | Lycalopex gymnocercus |
| Kit Fox | Vulpes macrotis |
| Swift Fox | Vulpes velox |
| Tibetan Fox | Vulpes ferrilata |
| Corsac Fox | Vulpes corsac |
| Cape Fox | Vulpes chama |
| Blanford’s Fox | Vulpes cana |
| Pale Fox | Vulpes pallida |
| Rüppell’s Fox | Vulpes rueppellii |
| San Joaquin Kit Fox | Vulpes macrotis mutica |
| Bengal Fox | Vulpes bengalensis |
| Arctic Fox | Vulpes lagopus |
| Fennec Fox | Vulpes zerda |
| Red Fox | Vulpes vulpes |
| Swift Fox | Vulpes velox |
| Tibetan Fox | Vulpes ferrilata |
| Corsac Fox | Vulpes corsac |
| Blanford’s Fox | Vulpes cana |
| Pale Fox | Vulpes pallida |
| Rüppell’s Fox | Vulpes rueppellii |
| Kit Fox | Vulpes macrotis |
| Crab-eating Fox | Cerdocyon thous |
| Gray Fox | Urocyon cinereoargenteus |
| Island Fox | Urocyon littoralis |
Interesting Facts About Foxes
- Foxes show a great level of intelligence and adaptability.
- The red fox is the most widespread representative of such species across the planet.
- Arctic foxes have thick fur, which helps them survive in cold climates.
- Fennec foxes have large ears to help them dissipate heat in desert areas.
- Foxes show more nocturnality than diurnality.
- They can speak in a variety of forms, like barks and howls.
