| Atherton antechinus[1] | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Dasyuromorphia |
| Family: | Dasyuridae |
| Genus: | Antechinus |
| Species: | A. godmani |
| Binomial name | |
| Antechinus godmani (Thomas, 1923) | |
 | |
| Atherton antechinus range | |
TheAtherton antechinus (Antechinus godmani), also known asGodman's antechinus, is a species of small carnivorous,insectivorousmarsupial native toAustralia. It is one of the rarest members of its genus, and differs from otherantechinuses in its more rufous body colour and small eyes.[3]
The Atherton antechinus was first described in 1923 byOldfield Thomas. For many years, it was regarded as a subspecies of theyellow-footed antechinus (A. flavipes).[4] A member of thedasyurid family, the Atherton antechinus is a member of the genusAntechinus, of which it is one of the most restricted members.
The Atherton antechinus is a dull brown colour, and is among the largest of the antechinuses. The species has an almost naked tail.[4]
The Atherton antechinus is believed to be mostlynocturnal orcrepuscular,[3] at which times it emerges to feed, mostly on terrestrialinvertebrates. The mating season is July–August, after which all of the males subsequently die.[3]
The Atherton antechinus is restricted to a 130 km region of rainforest betweenMount Bellenden Ker andCardwell, in northeasternQueensland. It builds nests in tree hollows or leaf litter ofepiphytes.[3]
