Butterfly ray vs Japanese Weasel

Gymnura altavela compared with Mustela itatsi

Key Differences

• Butterfly ray is Endangered while Japanese Weasel is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Butterfly ray	Japanese Weasel
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Elasmobranchii	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Myliobatiformes (Myliobatiformes)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Gymnuridae	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Gymnura	Mustela
Species	Gymnura altavela	Mustela itatsi

Evolutionary Relationship

Butterfly ray and Japanese Weasel share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Butterfly ray

EN — Endangered

Japanese Weasel

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Butterfly ray	Japanese Weasel
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Butterfly ray

Habitat

Native to South America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.

Range

Found in Venezuela. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Japanese Weasel

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found in Japan. Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

Butterfly ray

The Butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) is a species in the genus Gymnura. It is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Native to South America, inhabiting ecosystems characteristic of the region.