Colophon

Colophon

The animal on the cover of Web Design in a Nutshell is a least weasel (Mustela nivalis). There are 67 species of weasel, including the mink, ermine, ferret, otter, and skunk. Weasels, which are characterized by long, slender bodies and short legs, are found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia, and in a vast variety of habitats.

The least weasel is the smallest of the 67 species of weasel. Weighing in at approximately two ounces and measuring less than 10 inches long, the least weasel is the smallest carnivore on Earth. It is found throughout the world in northern climates. In warm weather this weasel's coat is brown, with a white underside. In winter it turns completely white. Thanks to its camouflage abilities and its speed and agility, the least weasel is rarely caught.

The diet of the least weasel is made up primarily of voles and mice, which, because of the weasels' high metabolism, they hunt constantly. One family of these little weasels can consume thousands of rodents each year, making them important in controlling pest populations. Because it is so small, the least weasel can follow mice into their burrows and eat them there. Like other weasels, they will occasionally then make their victim's home their own, lining it with the fur of the former resident when preparing to nest. Least weasels can produce two litters a year, with three to five young per litter.

The cover image is an original illustration by Lorrie LeJeune. The cover font is Adobe ITC Garamond. The text font is Linotype Birka; the heading font is Adobe Myriad Condensed; and the code font is LucasFont's TheSans Mono Condensed.