Spiny anteater

/spˈaɪni ˈantiːtə/

/spˈaɪni ˈæntiːɾɚ/

Spiny anteater

a small egg-laying mammal that is covered with spines, has a pointed snout and is originally from Australia or New Guinea

synonyms : anteater

echidna

What is a "spiny anteater"

The spiny anteater, also known as the echidna, is a unique mammal found in Australia and New Guinea. It is covered in spines or quills, similar to a porcupine, which provides it with protection against predators. The spiny anteater has a long, slender body and a beak-like snout with a small mouth for feeding on ants and termites. It has no teeth and uses its sticky tongue to capture insects from anthills and termite mounds. The spiny anteater has short legs with strong claws for digging, and it is capable of curling into a ball when threatened, using its spines as defense. It is one of only five extant species of monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young, and is known for its unique appearance and fascinating evolutionary adaptations.

a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to New Guinea

synonyms : anteater

echidna

Examples

1. But the spiny anteater's greatest defense mechanism is her ability to breathe through fire.

2. The design is less sleek than your typical multi-tool, but the spiny anteater or Echidna, has an array of gadgets for defense or dinner.

3. Anyways, echidnas are also more commonly known as spiny anteaters even though echidnas aren’t at all related to the real anteaters in America.

4. Unable to outrun the blaze, the spiny anteater digs herself out of danger.

Nearby words

spiral ratchet screwdriver

spiraling