Antechinus (/æntɪˈkaɪnəs/ ('ant-echinus')) is a genus of small dasyurid marsupial endemic to Australia. They resemble mice with the bristly fur of shrews. They are sometimes also called broad-footed marsupial mice, pouched mice, route rat or Antechinus shrews. However, these common names are considered either regional or archaic and the modern common name for the animals is antechinus. Sexual dimorphism occurs in most species for both weight and skeletal measurements, with males being typically larger and heavier.