Breeding, and Predators

 Long-beaked and short beaked echidnas are animals with a snout modified to form an elongated beak-like organ. They have no teeth, a long protrusible tongue and, in addition to normal hair, they have a number of special hairs on the sides and back which are modified to form sharp spines. The long-beaked species, at 45 to 90 centimeters (18 to 35 inches) in total length and 5 to 10 kilograms (11 to 22 pounds) in weight, is much larger than the short-beaked species, which is only 30 to 45 centimeters (11 to 18 inches) long and 2.5 to 8 kilograms (6 to 18 pounds) in weight. In the short-beaked echidna, males are larger than females. In both species only the male retains the spur on the ankle of each rear leg.

Distribution

The status of the long-beaked echidna is in doubt, as the area of its distribution is poorly studied. The short-beaked echidna is distributed throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania, where its status can be regarded as common. In Papua New Guinea it is still considered to be common in lowland areas, although both species are known to be preyed upon by humans for food.

Physical Characteristics

Unlike the platypus, the ears and eyes of echidnas are not housed in the same groove; the ear opening (with little visible external ear) is well behind the eye. The snout and protrusible tongue are both used in feeding.

What Do Echidnas Eat?

The short-beaked echidna eats mainly termites and ants although insect larvae are also taken.

It procures ants and termites by excavating the mounds, galleries, and nests of these insects with the large claws on its front feet. The echidna then picks up the ants or termites with its sticky tongue.

It can push its elongated snout into small spaces and extend its tongue into small cavities to gain access to these insects.

The generic term Tachyglossus actually means "swift tongue". The long-beaked echidna is chiefly a worm eater. It uses spines housed in a groove in its tongue to draw the worms into its mouth. In both species, mucous secretions make the tongue sticky and, in the absence of teeth, food material is ground between spines at the base of the tongue and at the back of the palate.

Are they Nocturnal?

Little is known of the activities of the New Guinea echidnas, but in Australia echidnas can be active at any time of the day, although they seem to be less active and stay buried in soil or shelter under rocks or vegetation in extremes of heat or cold.

They also seem to be less active during rainy weather. Like the platypus, they are unable to tolerate high temperatures and will die of heat stress if shade is not available.