Subtropical antechinus

The subtropical antechinus is a species of small carnivorous marsupial of the family Dasyuridae.

Taxonomy

It was previously thought to be conspecific with the brown antechinus.

Description

It is difficult to distinguish it from its close relatives, but its significant features include a long and narrow muzzle and a generally mid-brown colour. It is the largest of the brown antechinus complex. It mainly eats insects and after mating, all of the males die of stress-related diseases, like many other species in this family.

Distribution and habitat

The subtropical antechinus is found south from Gympie in Queensland, Australia, to the far northeast of New South Wales, where it is essentially restricted to subtropical vine forest below 1000 m elevation. A relict population is also found in Dorrigo National Park.