Echidnas, sometimes known as spiny anteaters, are rarely seen in inner city suburbs but are fairly common in outlying shires. Body length is up to 450 mm and weight up to 7 kg. Their fur is dark brown with yellow quills ending in black tips. They favour areas with good ground cover where they feed on ants and termites. The four extant species of echidnas, together with the platypus, are the only surviving members of that order and are the only extant mammals that lay eggs.
Photo: Georgia Henry
