ECHIDNID. E 



be included in two species, which, with some hesitation, are referred 

 to two genera — Echidna and Proechidna (Acanthoglossus). 



Echidna} — In Echidna there are five toes, all of which are 

 provided with claws, those of the fore feet being broad, slightly 

 curved, and directed forwards, while the posterior ones are slender, 

 more curved, and inclined outwardly. The beak is about as long 

 as the rest of the head, and either nearly straight, or slightly curved 

 upwards, while the palate is comparatively wide, and but slightly 

 vaulted. The number of the vertebrae is C 7, D 16, L 3, S 3, Ca 12. 

 The one existing representative of the genus (E. aculeata) occurs in 

 Xew Guinea, Tasmania, and Australia. 



So much variation is displayed by this animal, that it has been 

 divided into several species, but the latest researches tend to show 

 that these variations cannot be regarded as indicating more than 

 races, of which there are three well-marked types. 



The first race, or variety, has been termed the Port Moresby 

 Echidna, and is only known from that Papuan locality. It is 

 distinguished from the typical form by its smaller size, by the 

 shorter spines on the back, which admit of the fur being seen, and 

 by the more spinous covering of the head, belly, and limbs, as well 

 as by the lighter skull and relatively larger beak. 



The typical variety is confined to the Australian mainland, and 

 is of medium size. The spines of the back are very long and stout, 

 often reaching a length of two inches, and almost completely con- 

 cealing the hair. The colour of these spines varies from yelloAV at 

 the roots to black at the tips, but some may be altogether yellow. 

 The hair of the back is black or dark brown in colour, but it may 

 be occasionally absent, or in the region of the loins may exceed the 

 spines in length. The limbs and under surface of the body are 

 covered with dark brown hair, thinly interspersed with short spines ; 

 and the hair of the face is of the same general hue as that of the 

 body. The skidl has a slender rostrum and a flat and narrow 

 brain-case. 



In the third or Tasmanian race, which is confined to Tasmania, 

 the average size is somewhat larger than in the typical form. The 

 most characteristic feature is, however, the shortness of the spines 

 of the back, which in the greater part of that region are almost or 

 quite concealed by the hairs. The hairs of the back are dark 

 brown, those of the under surface and sides of the head being 

 generally rather paler. There is often a white spot on the chest. 

 Very frequently there is a difference in the proportionate lengths 

 of the hinder claws from those of the typical race. In the skull 

 the beak is comparatively short and stout, and the brain-case large 

 and wide. 



Echidnas are usually found in rocky districts, and more especially 



1 Cuvier, Tableau EUmentairc d'Hist. Nat. p. 143 (1798). 



