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a small egg-laying mammal that is covered in spines, has a pointed snout and originates from Australia
What is an "echidna"?
The echidna, also known as the spiny anteater, is a unique mammal native to Australia and New Guinea. Echidnas have spiky spines covering their back and a long tongue that they use to feed on ants, termites, and other insects. They have a compact body with short limbs, and their spines provide them with excellent protection against predators. Echidnas are known for their ability to lay eggs, which is a rare trait among mammals, and they are one of only five species of monotremes, which are mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Echidnas have a specialized snout that they use to forage for food, and their tongue can extend up to 18 cm in length to capture their prey. They are solitary animals and are primarily active during the night. Echidnas are fascinating creatures with unique adaptations that have allowed them to thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts, and they play an important role in their ecosystems as insectivores.
a half-woman, half-snake creature known as the "Mother of Monsters" because she was the mother of many famous monsters
Who is "Echidna"?
In Greek mythology, Echidna is a monstrous being known as the "Mother of All Monsters". She is often depicted as a creature with the upper body of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a serpent. Echidna is the consort of Typhon, another fearsome monster, and together they are said to have given birth to many of the famous mythological creatures, such as the Chimera, the Cerberus, and the Hydra. Echidna's role in mythology is primarily as the source of various monstrous beings and as a symbol of chaotic and destructive forces.
