168 ORDERS OF MAMMALS— EGG-LAYING ANIMALS 



is very short. The food of this creature eon- consisting of a single species which occurs in 



sists of aquatic insects, crustaceans and worms. Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, and the 



The other Family of egg-laying mammals be- Three-Toed Echidnas (Zaglossus), comprising 



longing to this Order contains the Echidnas two species, are confined to New Guinea. The 



(pronounced E-kid'nas) of Australia and New Five-Toed Echidna is covered with strong 



Guinea. These animals are arranged in two spines set very thickly all over its outer sur- 



genera, the Five-Toed Echidna (Tachyglossus), face, and its nose is a slender and narrow beak. 



