The Dusky Antechinus, Antechinus swaisonii, relatively is found in forests with dense understorey, sometimes in heaths. The average weight of an adult is about 50 g and the total average length is 220 mm.

Antechinus are carnivorous. They eat insects, dig for worms and grubs, and use their hands while eating.

Dusky Antechinus is sometimes incorrectly called Swamp Antechinus, however that species, Antechinus minimus, which occurs mostly in Tasmania, Bass Strait and few locations on Victorian Coast.

Dusky Antechinus have chocolate brown fur, and a tail shorter than the body; distinguished from the Agile Antechinus’ light grey fur, and tail same length as body.

In winter females dig burrows in earth banks, such as alongside streams. The burrow is roughly spherical, and lined with grass. Dusky Antechinus mate during a short period in winter. All males die within three weeks of the start of mating season. A month after mating, females give birth and six to ten young, which are carried in an open pouch for about eight weeks. The young are then left in the nest for about three months until they are able to fend for themselves.

The following pictures of an Dusky Antechinus were taken after it was captured in an Elliot Trap, during surveys at “Banksias’, Mandeni, coordinates; 7 60 328, 59 18 205 (T.Hastings 11/3/2010). Click on any thumbnail to download a higher resolution image.