Bandymus

Bandymus is a genus of small carnivorans in the family Mustelidae, proposed as a hypothetical taxon for the purposes of this article. It is said to inhabit forest interiors and riparian zones of Southeast Asia, where field observations report elusive, solitary individuals.

Two species are described: Bandymus parvus, the smaller form, and Bandymus magnus, the larger. Parvus measures about 15–22 cm in body length with an 8–12 cm tail; magnus reaches 28–40 cm with a 15–22 cm tail. Fur is short and dense; coat colors range from tawny to dark brown, often with faint dorsal banding that gives the genus its name.

Bandymus is described as occupying dense evergreen forests, primarily lowland and hill forests, with proximity to streams. The proposed range is localized to parts of Southeast Asia, including regions such as Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China, with likely fragmentation resulting from deforestation and habitat alteration.

Ecology and behavior attributes suggest nocturnal, solitary, and opportunistic habits. Diet is reported to include small vertebrates, insects, and fruit. Individuals are described as agile in dense undergrowth and capable of limited arboreal movement. Reproduction is suggested to be seasonal, with litters of 2–4; gestation is around 60–70 days, and altricial young receive parental care for several months.

Taxonomy, etymology, and status note that Bandymus is placed near other small mustelids in this hypothetical framework; the name combines a reference to dorsal banding with the Latin mus, meaning mouse. There is no formal IUCN assessment for this genus, as it is considered a fictional construct for illustrative purposes. Note: Bandymus is not recognized in major taxonomic databases and is presented here as an illustrative example.