Path and Puddle

Remy Charlip, Book  illustration, 1959- 1961

Vietnam poster. Unknown artist

Bye / 2012. 5 / photoshop

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Echidnas and platypuses are monotremes, i.e. mammals which lay eggs (in contrast to marsupials and placental mammals which give birth to live young). Monotremes are only found in Australia and New Guinea and include four species of echidnas and a single species of platypus. 

Platypuses are one of a few venomous mammals. They have a gland in their feet from which venom is released. It is thought that it may be use to compete against other males during the mating season.   

Echidnas have the lowest body temperature of all mammals. Their average body temperature is around 32C and can fluctuate within 8 degrees over the course of a day.