Temmus

Temmus is a genus of small to medium-sized, long-tailed marsupials native to Australia. The genus includes two species: Temnus temnus, commonly known as the long-tailed planigale, and Temnus nigrescens, known as the black-tailed planigale. Both species are part of the family Dasyuridae, which includes a diverse range of marsupials such as quolls, dunnarts, and planigales.

Temmus species are characterized by their long, thin tails, which are typically longer than their bodies. They have a slender, agile build and a distinctive, pointed snout. Their fur is typically a reddish-brown color, with a darker stripe running down the spine. The black-tailed planigale has a more uniform blackish-brown fur.

Temmus marsupials are primarily nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. Their diet is supplemented with nectar, which they obtain by feeding on flowers.

Temmus species are relatively small, with body lengths ranging from 15 to 25 centimeters and tail lengths from 20 to 35 centimeters. They have a lifespan of around 2 to 3 years in the wild, although this can vary depending on factors such as predation and habitat quality.

Temmus marsupials play an important role in their ecosystems, helping to disperse seeds and control insect populations. However, they are also vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as predation by introduced species such as cats and foxes. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.