Western long-beaked echidna
ExploreMammals
Western long-beaked echidna
Zaglossus bruijnii
The Western long-beaked echidna is a special animal that lays eggs like a bird! It has a long snout and spiky fur, making it look very unique and cute.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Western long-beaked echidna is covered in coarse, dark brown to black fur, often partially concealing its sharp spines. It has a distinctive, long, downward-curving snout, small eyes, and stout, powerful limbs. Its unique beak-like snout makes it visually distinct from its shorter-beaked relatives.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderMonotremataFamilyTachyglossidaeGenusZaglossus
Category
MammalsRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's one of only five types of mammals that lay eggs, not live babies!
Its incredibly long, tube-like snout is perfect for poking deep into soil for snacks.
Scientists thought this echidna was extinct for almost 60 years before finding it again!
This echidna has no teeth and instead crushes its food using spines on its tongue!
Special abilities
Ability
Electric Snout
Western long-beaked echidna can find hidden food by sensing tiny electrical signals because its sensitive snout helps it detect earthworms underground.
Ability
Tunnel Vision
Western long-beaked echidna has strong claws and short powerful limbs that help them dig burrows quickly to escape danger or search for food.
Ability
Spiky Armor
Western long-beaked echidna has stiff, sharp spines embedded in its fur that helps protect it from predators by making it hard to grab.
Ability
Worm Grabber
Western long-beaked echidna can extend its long, sticky tongue far out to snatch up worms and insects from tight spaces.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 45-77 cm
- Weight
- 5-16 kg
- Lifespan
- 30-50 years
- Top Speed
- 5 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1
- Gestation
- 17-23 days
Diet & Feeding
This echidna slurps up earthworms and other creepy crawlies from the forest floor.
Primary Foods
- Earthworms
- Insect larvae
- Beetle larvae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Feral Dog
Canis familiaris
Hunted by feral dogs in its forest habitat.
eaten by
Amethystine Python
Simalia amethistina
Large pythons may prey on young or smaller echidnas.
parasitizes
Echidna Tick
Amblyomma echidnae
Ticks attach to its skin and feed on its blood.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see an echidna, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Western long-beaked echidna?
45-77 cm
How much does Western long-beaked echidna weigh?
5-16 kg
How long does Western long-beaked echidna live?
30-50 years
How fast can Western long-beaked echidna move?
5 km/h
What does Western long-beaked echidna eat?
This echidna slurps up earthworms and other creepy crawlies from the forest floor.
Where is Western long-beaked echidna usually found?
Mountain regions
How does Western long-beaked echidna hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Western long-beaked echidna usually have?
1
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