Antechinus agilis
Agile Antechinus at Murrah, NSW
Identify this sighting
| Antechinus agilis | MartinPredavec | 12 Aug 2025 | ||
| Antechinus sp. (genus) | JamesLidseyBCT | 11 Aug 2025 | ||
| Antechinus sp. (genus) | JoelStibbardBCT | 11 Aug 2025 | ||
| Antechinus flavipes | MartinPredavec | 9 Aug 2025 |
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10 comments
11 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec, fair call, I am curious about the flavipes suggestion, it's a fair bit south for that species, no?
11 Aug 2025
@JamesLidseyBCT, flavipes goes all the way into Victoria. I agree there are not many records in this area, but there are some. It could be agilis. I suggested flavipes based on the shape and size (including the ears), but recognize it’s a hard call based on the image, particularly with no scale reference. Maybe we verify as Antechinus sp.
11 Aug 2025
Thanks for your input Martin. Really appreciate you coming in and verifying (or not) our ID's. I agree that it is slender for a Dusky. Flavipes would be a great record for the area
11 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec ahh I see, yeah I agree it's a hard call without scale. Happy to keep as Antechinus sp. I'm curious for your thoughts on other sightings that were taken in the same area and are a bit clearer, see - Antechinus agilis (Agile Antechinus)
Thank youu :)
Thank youu :)
11 Aug 2025
@JamesLidseyBCT Thanks for engaging on this! I agree with the Antechinus agilis ID for the other sighting you've linked to. This is based on colouration, the ears (small and not very pronounced), general body shape and posture, size (the BCT bait tubes are great for scale - 90mm) and what is known from the area. I think it is still a hard call for many small mammals from a single photograph. Without having the animal in my hand, it often comes down to 'gestalt'. I strongly believe in the power of 'community wisdom' with these IDs.
I think you (BCT) are doing a great job with this. Thank you.
I think you (BCT) are doing a great job with this. Thank you.
11 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec Thanks Martin! Okay good to know re the characteristics and totally agree on the community wisdom! We are learning quickly that the generic camera trap set up we are getting participants to use is leading to a lot of difficult small mammal ID. Maybe in the future we'll suggest a corkboard vertical set up or suggest adjusting placement next time to change it up and focus more on small mammals/reptiles
When we meet in the future it would be great to get your thoughts/expertise in this area.
Also echoing Joels comments on your help in the project, we are incredibly grateful for your knowledge in verifying or correcting our IDs.
Looking forward to catching up in the future :)
Cheers
James
When we meet in the future it would be great to get your thoughts/expertise in this area.
Also echoing Joels comments on your help in the project, we are incredibly grateful for your knowledge in verifying or correcting our IDs.
Looking forward to catching up in the future :)
Cheers
James
12 Aug 2025
Hi @JamesLidseyBCT - I've run this particular ID by a good colleague who knows his Antechinus species. His first response was its 'agilis'. Characteristics that he highlighted include:
- Antechinus agilis from the head shape, size, behaviour etc
- flavipes has a more broadly triangular head shape (greater breadth at the zygomatic arches) than agilis, making it appear more robust. The ears are also larger and seem to stand up straight and erect, whereas those of agilis seem to stand out less from the fur on the head (hands up here - this is where I got thrown off track).
- the tail (no terminal dark tip with long hairs).
This will help me going forward.
Cheers,
Martin
- Antechinus agilis from the head shape, size, behaviour etc
- flavipes has a more broadly triangular head shape (greater breadth at the zygomatic arches) than agilis, making it appear more robust. The ears are also larger and seem to stand up straight and erect, whereas those of agilis seem to stand out less from the fur on the head (hands up here - this is where I got thrown off track).
- the tail (no terminal dark tip with long hairs).
This will help me going forward.
Cheers,
Martin
12 Aug 2025
Amazing Martin! Thanks so much for your help. Very happy to know we have you as a moderator!
12 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec, ahh I see, thank you for going the extra mile on this one! Great learnings for me as well!
Location information
- Coordinates 150.035410-36.552138
- Places Murrah, NSW
Sighting information
- At least 1 Abundance
- 9 Aug 2024 03:37 AM Recorded on
- Stealthy Recorded by
Collections
- Land Libraries Survey - LLC11_12 Stealthy NatureMapr South Coast Antechinus agilis Antechinuses Small Marsupials Mammals
Species information
- Antechinus agilis Scientific name
- Agile Antechinus Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 1666.88m Recorded at altitude
Record quality
Quality score
3 / 7
- Images or audio
- Verified by an expert moderator
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species
- More than one media file
- GPS evidence of location
- Description
- Additional attributes