What is a platypus?

Sometimes known as a duck-billed platypus, this curious mammal combines the characteristics of many different species in one. The platypus is a duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed, egg-laying aquatic creature native to Australia.

What part of the platypus is poisonous?

The calcaneus spur found on the male’s hind limb is used to deliver venom. While both male and female platypuses are born with ankle spurs, only the spurs on the male’s back ankles deliver venom, composed largely of defensin -like proteins (DLPs), three of which are unique to the platypus. The DLPs are produced by the immune system of the platypus.

What does a platypus eat in the ocean?

The platypus is a carnivore: it feeds on annelid worms, insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, and freshwater yabby (crayfish) that it digs out of the riverbed with its snout or catches while swimming. It uses cheek-pouches to carry prey to the surface, where it is eaten.

Why are there so few platypus in Australia?

Low platypus numbers in northern Australia may be due to heavy predation by crocodiles. Male platypuses have spurs on the rear ankles, connected to a venom gland located over its thighs. If the spur pierces the skin, it can release enough venom to kill a medium-sized dog. (It is not fatal to humans, but is excruciating, and causes swelling.)

Is the platypus electroreceptive?

The extinct Obdurodon was electroreceptive, but unlike the modern platypus it foraged pelagically (near the ocean surface). In recent studies it has been suggested that the eyes of the platypus are more similar to those of Pacific hagfish or Northern Hemisphere lampreys than to those of most tetrapods.

Is the platypus protected in South Australia?

, the platypus is a legally protected species in all states where it occurs, but it is only listed as an endangered species in South Australia.

Did a camera set-up capture an extinct platypus in Adelaide?

“Platypus ‘sighting’ in the Adelaide Hills sparks camera set-up to capture extinct species – ABC News”. ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Archived from the original on 26 November 2020.