Duck-billed Platypus

Ornithorhychus anatinus

A Venomous, Egg-laying Mammal!

The Duckbill Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) or duck-billed platypus is often just referred to as the platypus since it is the only living platypus species today. It is one of only 5 species of egg laying mammals known as monotremes. This odd-looking mammal was discovered in Australia when colonizers arrived from Europe. They were perplexed at this beaver-tailed, duck-billed, otter-footed, hairy, egg-laying mammal. Not only does it appear to be a mix of many different animals, but it is also one of the few venomous mammals.

Where does the platypus live?

The platypus is found in eastern Australia from Tasmania north to the Queensland tropics.

Related Topics

Written by Rob Nelson

Rob is an ecologist from the University of Hawaii. He is the co-creator and director of Untamed Science. His goal is to create videos and content that are entertaining, accurate, and educational. When he's not making science content, he races whitewater kayaks and works on Stone Age Man.

You can follow Rob Nelson