Facts About the Duck-Billed Platypus

The duck-billed platypus is a native of eastern Australia and lives in rivers, lakes and streams. It has been described as a combination of a duck, otter and beaver. It is best known for its unique reproduction method: It is a mammal that lays eggs.

  1. Appearance

    • The duck-billed platypus has the tail of a beaver, the body and fur texture of an otter and the bill and webbed feet of a duck. According to platypus.org, it grows to about half the size of a domestic cat.

    Characteristics

    • According to nationalgeographic.com, the duck-billed platypus is a bottom-feeder that preys on worms, shellfish and insects. Since it has no teeth, the duck-billed platypus scoops small rocks and pebbles with its food to help chew it.

    Under Water

    • When submerged under water, flaps cover its ears and eyes. A watertight seal over its nose allows the duck-billed platypus to remain under water for up to two minutes while hunting for food.

    Reproduction

    • The duck-billed platypus is one of only two mammals that lay eggs to reproduce. A mother lays one or two at a time, and they hatch within 10 days. Baby duck-billed platypuses are the size of a lima bean when they hatch.

    Venomous

    • The male duck-billed platypus is venomous. It uses sharp stingers on its back feet to inject poison into another animal when threatened.

    Lifespan

    • According to platypus.org, a duck-billed platypus can live in captivity for up to 12 years.