Notes on the fungal diets of four Antechinus species from south-eastern Australia

Mycophagy is widespread among Australian mammals but has been poorly studied among dasyurids, with only 7 of the 61 Australian species having been shown to disperse fungi. Using spirit collections at the Australian Museum, we analysed the faecal material of brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii), yellow-footed antechinus (A. flavipes), swamp antechinus (A. minimus) and mainland dusky antechinus (A. mimetes) collected from south-eastern Australia between 1970 and 2003. All species consumed fungi, with a total of 19 fungal taxa detected. This is the first published record of mycophagy by A. minimus and A. mimetes. We recommend that further research is undertaken on the fungal diets of dasyurids, as many species are likely performing important ecosystem functions through the consumption and dispersal of fungi.