Kingdom Animalia Infraclass Marsupialia Family Dasyuridae Scientific name Pseudantechinus woolleyae Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Dasyuromorphia Genus Pseudantechinus Higher classification False antechinus | |
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Similar Rory Cooper's false ante, Sandstone false antechinus, Ningbing false antechinus, False antechinus, Fat‑tailed false antechinus | ||
Woolley's false antechinus (Pseudantechinus woolleyae), also known as Woolley's pseudantechinus, is a species of small carnivorous marsupial belonging to the family Dasyuridae. It is found in the Australian state of Western Australia, primarily in the Pilbara, Ashburton and Murchison regions.
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Taxonomy
Woolley's false antechinus was, like most false antechinuses, long believed to be a form of the fat-tailed false antechinus, which it closely resembles. It was not given full species status until 1988. The common and species names honour Dr Patricia Woolley, an Australian expert on dasyurid marsupials like this species.
Description
Woolley's false antechinus is the largest false 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 very short time. Births occur in September–October and the young are sexually mature at 10 months.
Woolley's false antechinus is coloured rich brown above and buff below. It has a flattened tail and chestnut patches behind its ears.
Habitat
Woolley's false antechinus inhabits rocky hillsides, usually vegetated with acacia scrub or spinifex grass. It is found in the western area of Western Australia.