antechinus

 
Pronunciation: /ˌantɪˈkʌɪnəs/

noun

  • a marsupial mouse of shrew-like habits and appearance, found in Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.
    • Genera Antechinus and Parantechinus, family Dasyuridae: several species

Origin:

modern Latin, from Greek anti- 'simulating' + ekhinos 'sea urchin, hedgehog' (from its bristly fur)