| Woolley's false antechinus[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Dasyuromorphia |
| Family: | Dasyuridae |
| Genus: | Pseudantechinus |
| Species: | P. woolleyae |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudantechinus woolleyae | |
 | |
| Woolley's false antechinus range | |
Woolley's false antechinus (Pseudantechinus woolleyae), also known asWoolley's pseudantechinus, is a species of small carnivorousmarsupial belonging to the familyDasyuridae. It is found in theAustralian state ofWestern Australia, primarily in thePilbara,Ashburton andMurchison regions.[3]
Woolley's false antechinus was, like mostfalse antechinuses, long believed to be a form of thefat-tailed false antechinus, which it closely resembles. It was not given full species status until 1988. The common and species names honour DrPatricia Woolley, anAustralian expert on thesedasyuridmarsupials.[4]
Woolley's false antechinus is the largestfalse antechinus and its behaviour is little known. It has a breeding life of two or more years, unlike many of its relatives which live for a short time.[3] Births occur in September–October and the young are sexually mature at 10 months.[3]
Woolley's false antechinus is coloured rich brown above and buff below. It has a flattened tail and chestnut patches behind its ears.[4]
Woolley's false antechinus inhabits rocky hillsides, usually vegetated withacacia scrub orspinifex grass. It is found in the western area ofWestern Australia.[3]
