FaunaHub

Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)

MammalMarsupialTermite-eater

Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), a small striped marsupial with a pointed snout.

Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus).

Image: patrickkavanagh, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a small, beautifully marked marsupial of Australia, instantly recognisable by the bold white bars across its reddish-brown back, its pointed snout, and its bushy tail. It is a termite specialist, and it is unusual among marsupials in being active by day — a schedule tied directly to when termites are near the surface and easiest to reach.

The numbat is also notable for what it lacks: unlike most marsupials, the female has no pouch, and her tiny young simply cling to her underside, sheltered by surrounding hair.

Conservation note: the numbat is Endangered, with a small wild population reduced by habitat loss and introduced predators. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Numbats once ranged widely across southern Australia but are now restricted to a few areas of Western Australia (with reintroduced populations elsewhere). They favour eucalypt woodlands and forests where termites are plentiful and where fallen hollow logs provide shelter and refuge from predators.

Diet

The numbat feeds almost exclusively on termites, eating large numbers each day. It uses a keen sense of smell to find termite galleries near the surface, digs them open with its claws, and laps up the insects with a remarkably long, sticky tongue. Unlike many termite- and ant-eaters, it has small, simple teeth and does not chew its prey effectively.

Behavior

Numbats are solitary and diurnal (day-active), foraging when termites move into the upper galleries of their nests. At night and when threatened, a numbat retreats into a hollow log or burrow, and it can use the thickened rump to block the entrance against predators. Its long, bushy tail is often held raised. The species is a striking example of a marsupial specialised for a very particular diet.

Human Interaction & Conservation

The numbat is a beloved symbol of Western Australia and the focus of dedicated conservation work. Its decline was driven by habitat clearing and especially by introduced predators such as foxes and cats; recovery efforts include predator control, fenced reserves, and reintroductions. Consult the IUCN Red List and Australian wildlife authorities for current status.

More photos of the numbat

A numbat foraging, showing the white bars across its back.

Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus).

Image: Kym Nicolson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Numbat

What does a numbat eat?
Almost only termites. A numbat can eat many thousands of termites in a day, sniffing out their shallow galleries, digging in with its claws, and collecting them on a long, sticky tongue. It does not eat ants as a staple, despite sometimes being confused with anteaters.
Why is the numbat active during the day?
Its daytime activity is tied to its food. Termites move into the upper, more accessible parts of their nests during the warmer daylight hours, so the numbat forages then. This makes it unusual among marsupials, most of which are active at night.
Does the numbat have a pouch?
No. Unlike most marsupials, the female numbat lacks a true pouch. Her tiny newborn young attach to teats on her underside and are protected by surrounding hair (and, when she is in a burrow, by the nest) rather than by an enclosed pouch.
Is the numbat endangered?
Yes — it is assessed as Endangered, with only a small wild population. Habitat loss and introduced predators such as foxes and cats caused steep declines. Conservation measures including predator control, protected reserves, and reintroductions aim to recover it; current status should be checked against the IUCN Red List.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.