Echidnas live in Australia and the island of New Guinea. They are the most widespread mammal in Australia.
They are also called spiny anteaters.
They eat mostly ants, termites, worms and grubs.
The echidnas pictured here are short-beaked echidnas.
Echidnas lay eggs.
Do you know the word for the five species of mammals that lay eggs?
Monotremes.
The Platypus and four species of echidnas are the only mammals that lay eggs.
Then, like other mammals, the mother nurses her babies with milk.
Echidnas are covered with spikes, but there are also short hairs in there.
What else is unusual about the bodies of echidnas?
Echidnas become torpid in both extremely hot and extremely cold weather. Their body temperatures drop to 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).
They have no external neck.
Also, their snouts have electro-receptors that help detect prey.
Their tongues are very long–almost 7 inches (17cm)–and are covered with fine barbs.
Do you know why their tongues are covered with barbs?
To help snag insects.
Echidnas: These Mammals Lay Eggs
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