ANTECHINUS AGILIS Meaning and
Definition
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Antechinus agilis is a small marsupial species endemic to the coastal regions of eastern Australia. Also known as the agile antechinus or the Queensland antechinus, it belongs to the family Dasyuridae, commonly referred to as the marsupial mice or carnivorous marsupials. The species is characterized by its small size, with males typically measuring around 110 to 135 millimeters in length and females slightly smaller.
The agile antechinus has a dark brown to gray coat with a lighter underbelly. It has a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long tail. As an insectivorous species, it primarily feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, making it an important component of the local ecosystem.
Antechinus agilis is known for its unique reproductive biology. Mating occurs during a short breeding season, typically in the Austral spring. Males engage in intense competition for access to females, leading to intense promiscuous mating behavior. Following mating, males are believed to experience physiological stress and compromised immune function, often resulting in their death. This phenomenon is known as "semelparity" or "suicidal reproduction."
The agile antechinus is primarily found in moist, forested habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and scrublands. It is a relatively common species within its limited range, although threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation, predation by introduced species like feral cats and foxes, and climate change impacts pose potential risks to its long-term survival.
Etymology of ANTECHINUS AGILIS
The word "Antechinus" comes from Greek and loosely translates to "opposite to the weasel". This term was used to describe a group of small Australian marsupials that were believed to be similar in appearance to weasels. The specific epithet "agilis" is Latin for "agile" or "nimble", which likely refers to the agile nature of these animals.
