Dusky Antechinus
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 Male Dusky Antechinus
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| Antechinus swainsonii (Waterhouse, 1840) |
The Dusky Antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii), also known as Swainson's Antechinus, is a species of small marsupial carnivore, a member of the family Dasyuridae. It is found from southeastern Queensland to southwestern Victoria in Australia, and is also found in Tasmania. It is the largest antechinus and can be found in two forms: a dark form and a pale form. It can be distinguished from its relatives by its much darker fur, which is also apparent in the pale form.[3]
The Dusky Antechinus, unusually for an antechinus, is entirely terrestrial, and is active at many times of the day. It mostly eats invertebrates, although it will occasionally devour small lizards and skinks.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 30. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- ^ Australasian Marsupial & Monotreme Specialist Group (1996). Antechinus swainsonii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 2006-12-09.
- ^ a b Menkhorst, Peter (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press, 56.
[edit] External links
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