Myrmecobiidae - numbat

There is only one species in this family, the numbat. The numbat is found in the southwest region of Western Australia. At one time, they were found throughout southern Australia. Their numbers probably declined due to their being preyed on by an exotic species, the European red fox.

The numbat has a long, slender body. It has reddish-brown fur with white and black stripes. It has a long, bushy tail; a long, pointed snout; and a long, thin, sticky tongue.

The numbat is an insectivore and uses its long snout and tongue to root for termites in the soil. Unlike most marsupials, the numbat is most active during the day. The female numbat, unlike other marsupial females, does not have a pouch.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Other Species Around the World
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH
Numbat - Myrmecobius fastiatus

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Numbat - Myrmecobius fastiatus
Numbats have a long, slender tongue that they use to capture termites. Learn more!
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Numbat - Myrmecobius fastiatus
Numbats are found in the forests and woodlands of the south-west part of Western Australia. Learn more here and print out a fact sheet.
Source: Perth Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Numbat - Myrmecobius fastiatus
Unlike most marsupials, the numbat is most active in the day.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Numbat - Myrmecobius fastiatus
The numbat can eat as many as 20,000 termites per day! Learn more here.
Source: World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Numbat - Myrmecobius fastiatus
Learn about the numbat and print a diagram of the numbat.
Source: Enchanted Learning. Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School