If you are writing for a general audience (even an general academic audience) you should avoid using in-group jargon without explanations. Overloading your audience with words they do not understand will not help you achieve your purpose.
Genus. Myrmecobius. The numbat is a small carnivorous marsupial from Australia, and the only member of the family Myrmecobiidae. It is a specialised termite-eater and is easily recognised by its slender, graceful body and short, stiff hair which is reddish-brown with black and white stripes across its back and rump.
Thamnophis sirtalis (common garter snake): The common garter snake has the largest range, occurring in most of the continental United States with several subspecies, according to Beane. They are found everywhere from Alaska to Florida, though they do not live in the Southwest.eane described garter snakes as generalists, inhabiting a wide variety of habitats.. They live in woodlands, meadows and grassy knolls and like to be near water, especially in the arid parts of the West, Beane said.