Tachyglossus aculeatus, short-nosed echidna

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Tachyglossus aculeatus, short-nosed echidna

Echidna Native name Bur-roo-gin, Drawing 93 by Thomas Watling (1762 -c. 1814), from the Thomas Watling Drawings Collection, 1788-c. 1797, held at the Natural History Museum

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Media ID 8590153

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18th Century Anteater Arthropod Arthropoda Australasia Australian Beaked Eater Echidna Eutheria First Formicidae Hexapod Hexapoda Hymenoptera Insecta Jackson Fleet Invertebrata

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> Animals > Insects > Hymenoptera > Related Images

> Oceania > Australia > Related Images

EDITORS COMMENTS
This illustration, drawn by the skilled hand of Thomas Watling in the late 18th century, showcases the intriguing short-nosed echidna, scientifically known as Tachyglossus aculeatus, native to the lands Down Under, now recognized as Australia. The echidna, also referred to by its Indigenous Australian name Bur-roo-gin, is a unique mammal belonging to the monotreme order, making it one of only five extant species in this group. The echidna's distinctive features include its short, snout-like beak, spiny back, and the ability to roll into a ball for defense. This drawing, part of the Thomas Watling Drawings Collection, held at the Natural History Museum, offers a glimpse into the natural world of the late 1700s. In the background, a variety of insects, including ants from the Formicidae family and bees from the Hymenoptera order, are depicted. The echidna, an insectivore, is known for its diet consisting mainly of ants and termites, making these arthropods essential to its survival. Thomas Watling's meticulous attention to detail is evident in this drawing, capturing the echidna's textured skin, the intricacies of its spines, and the diverse insects that populate its environment. This artwork, a testament to the natural history of Australia, offers a fascinating look into the past, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the land and its unique inhabitants.

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