Tachyglossus aculeatus

Other Names: Spiny Anteater

Size: Head-to-body 23-35 cm. Tail 8 cm.

Family: Tachyglossidae

Weight: 2-7 kg

Distribution: All of Australia.

Status: Common to sparse.

Habitat: Almost all terrestrial (land) habitabs except for intensively managed farmland.

References: Menkhorst and Knight, Wikipedia.

About the Short-beaked Echidna

The echidnas are named after Echidna, a creature from Greek mythology who was half-woman, half-snake, as the animal was perceived to have qualities of both mammals and reptiles.

Weight: 2-7 kg

Diet: Ants, termites, other soil invertebrates, particularly beetle larvae.

Photo: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney NSW. Higher Resolution 1916 x 1277.

Photo: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney NSW. Higher Resolution 2832 x 1888.

Photo: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney NSW. Higher Resolution 3524 x 2349.

Photo: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney NSW. Higher Resolution 3008 x 2000.

Photo: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney NSW.

Photo: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney NSW. Higher Resolution 3024 x 2012.

Echidna skeleton. Photo by Sklmsta at Wikipedia.

Photo taken at Australian Reptile Park, Gosford NSW.

See Also

Australian Birds
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces
Australian Wild Plant Foods

Return to Australian Mammals