Echidnas look like a cross between a hedgehog and an anteater. The four different echidna species have spines, a long, narrow snout, and black or brown colored hair. The tips of their snouts, which are frequently referred to as a “beak,” is very sensitive. They have short legs and long claws used for digging. Echidnas lack teeth, instead using a long sticky tongue to slurp up insects.

Different species of echidnas can be found across Australia. They also inhabit Tasmania and New Guinea.

Echidnas feed primarily on earthworms, ants, and termites. They use their keen sense of smell to locate food, and their sharp claws to dig, to tear open termite mounds, and to rip apart tree bark and rotting logs. Once their prey is accessible, they use their long, sticky tongues to retrieve it. Because they have no teeth, these animals use pads on the tongues and roofs of their mouths to smash the food into an easy to swallow paste.

More Info: animals.net