8. Myrmecobius fasciatus.

Banded Myrmecobius.

This singular animal which also inhabits the Plains bordering on the Murray and Darling, is not found close to the first page 12 named river: and, as far as my inquiries among the natives went, has never occupied that part of the country. It does not now inhabit any part of Victoria, and I think the Murray may be taken as its southern boundary. A quarrel existed between the Darling natives and the tribe which accompanied me, so that I was not able to procure any live specimens of this singular animal, but its existence is proved sufficiently. I have been informed by Mr. Scott, the owner of a Station at Tapio, about 80 miles from the Darling Junction, that the Banded Myrmecobius is by no means rare; and that the natives could procure specimens for me; but a few bad skins were all I obtained.

How many young ones the female produces, and with how many teats she is furnished, I am unable to say; the only fact proved is, that the range of Myrmecobius fasciatus is not limited to the West Coast, and, that according to the natives, it is not nocturnal in its habits.