ECHIDNA, or SPINY an Australian monotreme animal of the family Echidnider or Tachyglossidce, closely related to the duckbill, but very different in outward ap pearance. Echidnas are spiny, porcupine-like creatures, 12 to 18 inches long, with broad bodies, stout legs terminating in large, strong claws well suited for digging, and a small head, ending in a slender snout. The male has spurs like those of the duckbill. The mouth is tooth less but the palate bears a number of recurved spines, which answer the purpose of teeth, the tongue is extensile and glutinous. The animal resembles the hedgehog in that it curls up when in danger, presenting its long spines, and pro tecting by this method its naked belly. It lives in burrows and feeds chiefly on the Juicy larva; of ants, into whose hill it digs with its great claws. Like the duckbill, the echidna lays eggs.
The period of gestation is about four weeks. The eggs (rarely more than two), when laid, are carried in an abdominal pouch. In another two weeks they hatch, and the young are carried in the pouch for a considerable period there after. The creatures are docile and are easily lamed, becoming playful in captivity and exhib iting considerable intelligence. They are noc turnal in habits, and spend periods of drought curled up in their burrows. The common echidna (E. aculeota) is found in Tasmania and New Guinea. It is so variable in color and size that it is sometimes held to form two species, differentiated by their general size and habitat. The unodialc° of Papua (Proechnida bruijni) is a kindred animal hunted by the natives for food. See MONOTREMATA ; PROTOTHERIA.