Short-Beaked Echidna

Description:

Echidnas and platypuses are the only monotremes - mammals that lay eggs - in the world. The cream-coloured spines, which reach 50 millimetres (two inches) in length, are in fact modified hairs and cover the entire body apart from the underside, face and legs. Insulation is provided by fur between the spines. Like the platypus, males have a venomous spur on their hind legs. Echidnas have poor vision but a good sense of hearing and smell. They are toothless, preferring a diet of ants, termites and other small invertebrates that they catch with a long sticky tongue.

Habitat:

Dry coastal area.