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 the body weight ranges from , and in females, . In human care, they are slightly heavier. The average lifespan of the Winter white hamster is one to three years in captivity, though they can live longer. In the wild, they are known to live as little as one year. In summer, the fur of the Winter white hamster on the back changes from ash-grey to dark brown, or sometimes pale brown with a tint. The face changes to grey or brown, while the mouth area, the whisker area, and the ears are slightly brighter. The outer ears and the