The platypus is a unique Australian mammal that has a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and thick fur. While both male and female platypuses have ankle spurs, only males have venomous glands attached to their spurs that produce a painful venom capable of killing smaller animals like dogs. Platypuses live in freshwater habitats along the eastern coast of Australia and Tasmania, feeding mainly on aquatic invertebrates and larvae in streams and rivers.
2. Description
The platypus is one of the most easily identifiable animals.
Thick waterproof fur
Broad flat tail
Duck-like bill
Webbed frond feet
Deep brown fur on its back and top
of head.
Golden or silky grey underneath.
Partially webbed hind feet
3. Description
Weight [g] Length [cm]
Females
43
900
Males
1700
50
All platypus are born with ankle spurs,
Only males has two venom glands attached to spurs on hind feet.
7. Dietary pattern
Foods
Fish eggs, Worms, Insects, Crustaceans, Tadpoles,
Larvae of mayflies, two- winged flies and shrimps.
Almost totally in the water and mainly on bottomdwelling prey.
Mostly in the early morning and evening.
Closes its eyes and ears when diving for food but
receives information through the bill that navigates
and locates prey in the water.
8. Venom
The males spurs are connected to a venom-producing
gland in the thigh.
The male is capable of producing
a venom peptide cocktail and
injecting it through his spurs.
The venom
• Causes pain and hyperalgesia.
• Powerful enough to kill smaller
animals such as dogs.
9. Venom
The venom of the platypus is partly composed of „defensinlike‟ proteins.
Defensin proteins are produced by the immune system of
the platypus, and are also produced as an antibiotic in the
milk of some marsupials to help bolster immunity of young
koalas, wallabies and other species.
10. Summary
You shouldn’t cuddle “male platypuses”
no matter how adorable their funny little bills
may look to you !
