Myrmecobius fasciatus Waterhouse, 1836, is a small to medium-sized dasyuromorph marsupial known as the numbat. M. fasciatus is unusual among marsupials in that it is diurnal and feeds exclusively on termites, and it has a number of characteristic adaptations associated with this specialized niche. M. fasciatus has at least 8 postcanine teeth in the lower jaw; the dentition is variable between individuals and even between the 2 sides of the jaw of the same individual. Although widespread throughout southern Australia at the time of European settlement, M. fasciatus is currently restricted to 2 naturally occurring populations in the southwestern portion of Western Australia, and some additional populations within its historic range resulting from successful reintroductions. It is currently listed as “Endangered.”
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28 July 2011
Myrmecobius fasciatus (Dasyuromorphia: Myrmecobiidae)
Christine Elizabeth Cooper
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Mammalian Species
Vol. 43 • No. 1
January 2011
Vol. 43 • No. 1
January 2011
diurnal behavior
endangered species
marsupial
numbat
rusty numbat
termitivore