Definition

Noun * A small, swift fox species: Vulpes velox is the scientific name for a small, light-grey fox native to the grasslands and plains of western North America. It is commonly known as the swift fox due to its speed.

Usage

• The term is used in formal, scientific, or zoological contexts to precisely identify this specific species of fox.
• It is typically used as a singular noun. The plural form is (as scientific names are often treated as Latin), or more commonly in English, "swift foxes."

Examples

• Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the habitat of Vulpes velox.
• The researcher's paper documented the denning behavior of Vulpes velox in the shortgrass prairie.
• Vulpes velox is distinguished from the kit fox () by subtle morphological differences.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification, is the genus (group) for "true foxes," and is the species epithet, meaning "swift" in Latin.
• The name is always written in italics, with the genus capitalized and the species name in lowercase.

Variants and Related Words

• Swift fox: The common English name for .
• Kit fox (): A closely related species, sometimes considered conspecific with by some authorities.
• Prairie fox: Another occasional common name for this animal.

Synonyms

• Swift fox
• Prairie fox (regional)

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Canid: The biological family (Canidae) to which belongs.
• Carnivore: Describes its dietary order (Carnivora) and feeding habits.

Noun

1. small grey fox of the plains of western North America