The Arctic fox belongs to the genus Vulpes, and its scientific name is Vulpes lagopus.
Vulpes is the genus that contains the true foxes, including the red fox, fennec fox, and Arctic fox. The Arctic fox's species name, lagopus, means hare-footed and refers to its unusually fur-covered feet. This dense foot fur provides insulation and improves traction on snow.
The Arctic fox is sometimes associated with the older genus name Alopex. Modern classification generally places it in Vulpes, although Alopex lagopus appears in older literature and some historical references. That naming history explains why both names may appear in books or databases.
Its coat changes seasonally: many individuals are white in winter and brown or gray in summer, while blue morphs remain darker year-round. The species lives across Arctic regions and also occurs in Iceland.