Crossword puzzles often include clues related to scientific classification. One such clue is "Member of the Genus Lepus", which refers to animals belonging to the Lepus genus in the family Leporidae. If you’ve come across this clue, you might be wondering what the possible answers are.
This topic will help you understand the genus Lepus, common crossword answers, and how to identify related clues.
What Is the Genus Lepus?
The genus Lepus includes hares and jackrabbits, which are closely related to rabbits but have distinct differences. These mammals are known for their long ears, strong hind legs, and high-speed running abilities.
Key Characteristics of the Lepus Genus
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Longer ears than rabbits, which help with heat regulation.
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Larger body size compared to rabbits.
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Born fully developed (furred and with open eyes), unlike rabbits that are born blind and hairless.
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Capable of running shortly after birth, making them better suited for survival in the wild.
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Primarily solitary animals, unlike rabbits that live in social burrows.
Common Answers for "Member of the Genus Lepus" Crossword Clue
1. HARE (4 Letters)
The most common answer for this crossword clue is "HARE". Hares belong to the Lepus genus and are found in various habitats across the world.
Why "HARE" Is a Popular Answer?
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It is short and fits most crossword grids.
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It is widely known, making it an easy-to-recognize answer.
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It directly refers to an animal from the genus Lepus.
2. JACKRABBIT (10 Letters)
Another possible answer is "JACKRABBIT", which refers to several species of hares found mainly in North America. Despite their name, jackrabbits are not true rabbits but belong to the Lepus genus.
Why "JACKRABBIT" Might Be the Answer?
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Some crosswords prefer longer words for variety.
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The term is regionally well-known, especially in the United States.
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Jackrabbits are iconic for their speed and large ears.
3. SNOWSHOE HARE (13 Letters)
A more specific answer that may appear in detailed crosswords is "SNOWSHOE HARE". This species (Lepus americanus) is found in cold regions and is known for its ability to change fur color from brown to white in winter.
Why "SNOWSHOE HARE" Might Appear?
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Some crossword clues may describe an animal that changes fur color.
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Longer crossword puzzles may require a more specific species name.
4. ARCTIC HARE (11 Letters)
For puzzles with a focus on cold-climate animals, "ARCTIC HARE" may be the correct answer. This species (Lepus arcticus) is adapted to freezing temperatures and remains white all year long.
Why "ARCTIC HARE" Might Appear?
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It is a well-known species in cold environments.
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The clue may hint at a hare found in the Arctic region.
How to Identify Clues Related to the Genus Lepus
Some crossword clues may not directly mention "Member of the Genus Lepus" but instead describe the animal’s characteristics. Here are some variations of clues that might lead to an answer like HARE or JACKRABBIT:
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"Fast-running mammal with long ears" → HARE
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"Relative of the rabbit" → HARE
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"Desert-dwelling long-eared animal" → JACKRABBIT
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"Mammal that changes fur color in winter" → SNOWSHOE HARE
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"Large-eared mammal known for speed" → JACKRABBIT
Tips for Solving Crossword Clues Related to Lepus
If you’re struggling to find the answer, follow these steps to narrow it down:
1. Count the Letters in the Answer
Crossword puzzles often provide the number of letters in the answer. This helps eliminate incorrect words.
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4 letters? HARE
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10 letters? JACKRABBIT
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11 letters? ARCTIC HARE
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13 letters? SNOWSHOE HARE
2. Check the Surrounding Clues
If a few letters are already filled in, you can use them to identify the correct word. For example, if you have "H_ R E", the answer is likely HARE.
3. Consider the Puzzle’s Difficulty Level
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Beginner crosswords often use "HARE" because it is simple.
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Advanced crosswords may use longer, more specific answers like JACKRABBIT or SNOWSHOE HARE.
4. Think About the Puzzle Theme
Some crosswords follow specific themes, such as animals, habitats, or speed. If the clue relates to fast-running animals, the answer is likely a hare or jackrabbit.
Interesting Facts About Lepus Species
Understanding the genus Lepus can help make crossword-solving more enjoyable. Here are some fascinating facts about hares and jackrabbits:
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Hares can reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h), making them one of the fastest land mammals.
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Unlike rabbits, hares do not dig burrows; instead, they rest in shallow depressions called forms.
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The European hare (Lepus europaeus) is known for its boxing behavior, which occurs during mating season.
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The Antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni), found in the southwestern U.S., can survive extreme desert conditions by regulating its body temperature through its large ears.
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Hares have incredible endurance, allowing them to outrun predators like foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey.
If you encounter the crossword clue "Member of the Genus Lepus", the most common answer is HARE. Other possible answers include JACKRABBIT, SNOWSHOE HARE, or ARCTIC HARE, depending on the number of letters and specific clue details.
By recognizing alternative clue variations, using letter count as a guide, and understanding the characteristics of hares, crossword enthusiasts can confidently solve puzzles related to the genus Lepus.