The echidna is of the few monotremes in the world i that it it is an egg laying mammal. It is named after a creature from Greek mythology which was half snake, half woman and could be an animal and reptile at once. It lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea. They live forests and woodland and their long snout helps them forage for ants and insect larvae. They have long spines which protects them against predators and are not unsimlar to the European hedgehog. They are very shy creatures and are seldom seen. This drawing was done while spending several days at the Australian Museum drawing reptiles, animals and lizards. I have taken a bit of artistic licence with the spines. The echidna's spines are much thicker.
