Main Characteristics

Cacomistles have a body length between 38 and 47 cms (15 - 18.5 inches), a tail length between 39 and 53 cms (15.4 - 21 inches) and they weigh between 0.8 and 1 kgs (1.8 - 2.2 lbs).

They are buff/grey to brown in colour with a distinctive tail that is ringed in black and buff bands.

Habitat

Cacomistles can be found in the mountain forests and wet tropical woodlands of central and southern America from southern Mexico to western Panama.

Diet

Cacomistles are omnivores and they feed upon small rodents, birds, lizards, frogs, insects, eggs and fruits.

Breeding

After a gestation period of 63 - 66 days, Cacomistles give birth to a single youngster.

Predators

Predators of Cacomistles include birds of prey, ocelots, tayras, large snakes and humans.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Cacomistle are:

Bassariscus sumichrasti latrans
Bassariscus sumichrasti notinus
Bassariscus sumichrasti oaxacensis
Bassariscus sumichrasti sumichrasti
Bassariscus sumichrasti variabilis

Interesting Facts

Cacomistles are also sometimes known as a Ringtail Cat, but they shouldn't be confused with the species bassariscus astutus.