“... Ignoring the obvious biological inaccuracy, the Letter of Aristeas’ claim about weasel reproduction demonstrates how tabooing the weasel functions on the symbolic level. Gossip and slander enter into one’s ear and unjustly leave one’s mouth, mimicking the supposed reproductive process of the weasel. It is for this reason that the weasel is an allegory for these vices. So why is weasel verboten? Not out of a preoccupation with weasels, but because the “Law forbids harming anyone in thought or in deed.” [...] Letter of Aristeas, 165–166 (cp. Epistle of Barnabas 10; see Chapter 7 for discussion and additional references). ...”

“... § 165 conceives … by mouth. This explanation of the biology of weasel reproduction is fairly well known in antiquity, although it takes two different forms. The Greek traditions, with which Aristeas generally agrees and with which Ps.-Aristeas apparently was familiar, have the animal conceive through its ears and give birth by mouth. See, for example, Ovid, Metamorphosis 9.322–323 (gives birth through the mouth) and Plutarch, Isis and Osiris 74 (conceives through its ears and gives birth through its mouth). The later traditions, including Christian ones, reverse the processes. The weasel conceives through its mouth and gives birth through its ears. See the Epistle of Barnabas 10:8 (conceives through its mouth); ...”