White-tailed ptarmigan name "Tetrao (Lagopus) leucurus" by the Arctic explorer John Richardson in 1831. It was later determined that "Lagopus" had sufficient distinguishing features to be regarded as a separate genus and the bird became "Lagopus leucurus". Molecular studies have shown that "Lagopus" is monophyletic, with the rock ptarmigan ("Lagopus muta") and White-tailed ptarmigan being sister species. The position of the willow ptarmigan ("Lagopus lagopus") is less clear cut, it showing some genetic divergence over its wide range. The genus name "Lagopus" is derived from Ancient Greek "lagos" (λαγως), meaning "hare", + "pous" (πους), "foot", in reference to the bird's feathered legs.
Winter white dwarf hamster white is known to be one of the most tameable types of hamsters. The hamster has no fully accepted common name, Winter white dwarf hamster and Russian dwarf hamster are among the most often used. Confusion arises because of their physical similarity to the Campbell's dwarf hamster, consequently the name Djungarian hamster and Russian dwarf can refer to both Winter white and Campbell's dwarf hamsters. The term "Winter white" derives from the fact that in the wild the hamster changes it's fur colour to white for the winter months, this camouflages the hamster and reduces predation when snow is on