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Science & Nature • Mammals

Platypus

The platypus is a semiaquatic egg-laying mammal native to eastern Australia and Tasmania.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The platypus is a semiaquatic egg-laying mammal native to eastern Australia and Tasmania. It is one of the world’s few monotremes, a group of mammals that lay eggs, and males have venomous spurs on their hind legs. Platypuses are known for their duck-like bill, beaver-like tail, and carnivorous diet of aquatic invertebrates.

Classification

The platypus is a mammal in the monotreme group, which includes the egg-laying mammals. Its scientific name is Ornithorhynchus anatinus.

Habitat and range

Platypuses live in freshwater environments in eastern Australia and Tasmania. They use rivers, creeks, lakes, wetlands, and burrows along riverbanks.

Diet and feeding

Platypuses are carnivores that feed underwater, using their bills to detect and collect prey from the bottom of streams and rivers. Their diet mainly consists of aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae and shrimp.

Reproduction and defence

Female platypuses lay eggs, and males possess venomous spurs on their hind legs. The venom is used in male competition and defence.

Key facts

  • Platypuses are one of the few living mammals that lay eggs.
  • They are found only in Australia, especially in eastern Australia and Tasmania.
  • Platypuses are semiaquatic and forage underwater along riverbeds.
  • Their diet includes insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, worms, and other small aquatic animals.
  • Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs.
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Canadian context

Platypuses are not native to Canada, but they are of interest to Canadian readers as a distinctive example of mammalian diversity and egg-laying reproduction among mammals.

Frequently asked questions

What is a platypus?
A platypus is a semiaquatic egg-laying mammal native to Australia and one of the living monotremes.
Where do platypuses live?
Platypuses live in freshwater habitats in eastern Australia and Tasmania, including rivers, creeks, lakes, and wetlands.
Are platypuses mammals?
Yes. Platypuses are mammals, specifically monotremes, which are egg-laying mammals.
Do platypuses lay eggs?
Yes. Female platypuses lay eggs, unlike most other mammals.
Are platypuses venomous?
Male platypuses are venomous; they have spurs on their hind legs that can inject venom.
What do platypuses eat?
Platypuses eat aquatic invertebrates such as insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, worms, and other small bottom-dwelling animals.

References

  1. WWF Australia — https://wwf.org.au/blogs/9-interesting-platypus-facts/
    Supports: Egg-laying mammal status, venomous spurs, eastern Australia distribution, diet.
  2. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/platypus
    Supports: Mammal classification, diet, bottom-feeding habits.
  3. Bush Heritage Australia — https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/platypus
    Supports: Monotreme classification, egg-laying, venomous males, east and south-eastern Australia range, habitat, diet.
  4. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/platypus-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Semiaquatic, egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia; diet of aquatic invertebrates.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/platypus
    Supports: Scientific name, habitat, diet, general description.
  6. NSW Environment and Heritage — https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/native-animal-facts/land-mammals/platypus
    Supports: Habitat and feeding on riverbed animals such as insect larvae and freshwater shrimp.