Zoology- Tachyglossidae (echidnas)

There are four species in this family. They are found in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. Echidnas (pronounced ih-KID-na) are also called spiny anteaters because of the spines covering their bodies. They have short legs and sharp claws that they use to dig in the dirt for termites, worms, larvae, and ants. Their long, cylindrical snouts can detect the small electrical currents put out by their prey. They then use their long, sticky tongues to capture the ants and termites! When echidnas are threatened, they curl up into a tight ball.

Female echidnas lay eggs! The female lays a single leathery egg in her pouch. They egg hatches in 7-10 days. The young echidna, or puggle, stays in the pouch for 6-8 weeks until it develops spines. The female echidna does not have teats. She secretes milk though her skin!

Echidna
Echidna are also called spiny anteaters. It uses its long tongue to capture ants, termites, and worms.
Source: San Diego Zoo Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Echidnas
Did you know that echidnas vary in color depending on where they live in Australia and New Guinea? Read more about these unique monotremes.
Source: New South Wales Department of Environment & Conservation Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Echidnas
When the echidna is threatened, it curls up in a ball to protect it fur covered belly. Learn more!
Source: Our Animals Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Echidna
Print out a diagram of an echidna and learn more at this site for kids.
Source: Enchanted Learning Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Tachyglossus (short-beaked echidna)

Short-beaked Echidna
The echidna's rear feet point backwards. This helps them dig, but it give them a funny rolling walk! Learn more!
Source: Philadelphia Zoo Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Short-beaked Echidna
Echidnas are shy creatures who live alone. Find out more here!
Source: St. Louis Zoo Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section:Yes Searchable: Yes

Short-beaked Echidna
Learn more about the short-beaked echidna and try your hand at a crossword puzzle or pattern for kids to sew a baby echidna.
Source: Pelican Lagoon Research & Wildlife Centre.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Zaglossus (long-beaked echidnas)

Sir David's Long-beaked Echidna
This article from the BBC looks at evidence that a species of long-beaked echidna named after TV naturalist Sir David Attenborough, is not extinct as previously thought.
Source: BBC Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Echidna Proves Looks Aren’t Everything
Find out what it takes to study the rare and elusive long-beaked echidna.
Source: New York Times Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Western Long-beaked Echidna
The long-beaked echidna has a long, downcurved snout. Learn more here. Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Echidna Sex Secrets Studied
The mating habits of the echidna are investigated.
Source: National Geographic

Arkive Video and Images
Long-beaked Echidna
Short-beaked Echidna

What is a Mammal - Grade 3-5
Students explore the characteristics of mammals. Source: Discovery Education