Echidnas sometimes known as spiny anteaters, belong to the family Tachyglossidae in the monotreme order of egg-laying mammals. source
Echidnas sometimes known as spiny anteaters, belong to the family Tachyglossidae in the monotreme order of egg-laying mammals.
Echidnas are the only living mammals that lay eggs. source
Echidnas are the only living mammals that lay eggs.
Echidnas are not closely related to the true anteaters of the Americas. source
Echidnas are not closely related to the true anteaters of the Americas.
Echidnas live in Australia and New Guinea. source
Echidnas live in Australia and New Guinea.
Echidnas evidently evolved between 20 and 50 million years ago, descending from a platypus-like monotreme. source
Echidnas evidently evolved between 20 and 50 million years ago, descending from a platypus-like monotreme.
The echidnas adapted to life on land. source
The echidnas adapted to life on land.
Echidnas are medium-sized, solitary mammals covered with coarse hair and spines. source
Echidnas are medium-sized, solitary mammals covered with coarse hair and spines.
The short-beaked echidna's diet consists largely of ants and termites, source
The short-beaked echidna's diet consists largely of ants and termites,
Echidnas do not tolerate extreme temperatures; they use caves and rock crevices to shelter from harsh weather conditions. source
Echidnas do not tolerate extreme temperatures; they use caves and rock crevices to shelter from harsh weather conditions.
Echidnas are found in forests and woodlands, hiding under vegetation, roots or piles of debris. source
Echidnas are found in forests and woodlands, hiding under vegetation, roots or piles of debris.
Echidnas are capable swimmers. When swimming, they expose their snout and some of their spines. source
Echidnas are capable swimmers. When swimming, they expose their snout and some of their spines.
Echidnas are known to journey to water in order to groom and bathe themselves. source
Echidnas are known to journey to water in order to groom and bathe themselves.
The average lifespan of an echidna in the wild is estimated around 16 years. source
The average lifespan of an echidna in the wild is estimated around 16 years.
A female echidna can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lbs) . source
A female echidna can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms (9.9 lbs) .
Amale echidna can weigh up to 6 kilograms (13.2 lbs). source
Amale echidna can weigh up to 6 kilograms (13.2 lbs).
The echidnas' sex can be inferred from their size, as males are 25% larger than females on average. source
The echidnas' sex can be inferred from their size, as males are 25% larger than females on average.