Marsupial shrew

The stripes bag mice ( Phascolosorex ) is a marsupial genus of the family of Dasyuridae ( Dasyuridae ). In this genus two species Phascolosorex dorsalis and Phascolosorex doriae are summarized.

Features

Stripe bag mice have external similarities with shrews, with whom they are not related. Their fur is colored orange-brown or gray-brown, a conspicuous narrow black stripe runs along the back from the snout to the tail. P. dorsalis is 13 to 17 centimeters in body length, the smaller species and has has a brownish belly and brown feet while P. doriae a body length 17-22 cm, a red belly and black feet. The evenly hairy tail is about as long as the body.

Dissemination and lifestyle

Over the life of the strip bag mice is very little known. Both species inhabit rainforests in New Guinea, P. dorsalis higher ground up in 3100 meters above sea level, P. doriae low -lying regions in 900-1900 meters above sea level. They live on the ground and in contrast to most other predatory marsupials predominantly diurnal. Their diet should, may consist of insects and other invertebrates also small vertebrates.

About the level of danger there is no secure information. While P. dorsalis is relatively common, P. doriae regarded as a rare type, the IUCN lists them under " data deficient " - not enough data available.