Although common and well known to Aussies, Echidnas are worth pointing out to visitors to R.I. who may know nothing of this cute islander.
They are one of only five monotremes. Monotremes are egg-laying mammals with legs that extend outward and down. They breed between June and September and the female lays one egg into a pouch on her body. The egg will hatch after 10 days and the little "puggle" will stay there until the spines grow too long, around six months. The female has no nipples but sweats milk from patches on her skin.
Echidnas feed on ants termites grubs and worms using a extremely rapid 15 cm long tongue, hence the name Tachyglossidae (fast tongue) Watch them ram their beak into the earth, and if you listen they huff. Are they "drilling" using air? Does anyone know?
They are of course protected by law, their predators are eagles dogs and cars. And don't try to pick them up!
