Wednesday, February 18, 2009

ABC Wednesdays - E for Echidna

Echidnas are monotremes; unique mammals that lay eggs. The only other monotreme is the platypus; another Australian native animal.

I took this photo near Canberra, but there are echidnas in South Australia; I just haven't seen any in the wild to photograph yet!

The echidna's main diet is ants and termites. When an echidna smells ants or termites it uses claws on its feet to dig. It then sends its long sticky tongue into the nest and flicks it around. The insects stick to the tongue and are then drawn into the echida's tiny mouth.

The ABC Wednesday meme was created by Denise Nesbitt. To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions click here.

10 comments:

Digital Polaroids said...

Unbelievable, this is the ONLY animal I know its name starts with an "E" (in Spanish is spelled equidna)

Unknown said...

This is the most fantastic animal on Earth! :-)

Jay said...

What a fascinating little creature! And no doubt considered a very beneficial animal, too.

On behalf of the team, thanks for taking part in ABC Wednesday!

Carol said...

I have never seen this animal or heard of it...looks like sharp quills on its coat...

Tumblewords: said...

Interesting post, for sure! I'm glad to know this - great photo!

Karyn said...

Glad to know a little about this curious looking animal.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Cute little cratre I have only ever seen in the wildlife park rather than in the wild.

Donna said...

Awwww...he's So cute!!!hughugs

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

How different are they from the hedge hog? or the porcupine? Are they only from Australia?

alicesg said...

Wow I dont want to go near it because of its spines on its back. But it do looked amazing.