An echidna is covered with hollow spines. Its head has a long snout that is as much as half the length of the head and may be either straight or up-curved. The tongue is long and sticky for catching ants and termites. There are five toes on each foot.

The female develops a fold of skin on her stomach into which a single egg is deposited after being laid. After hatching, the youngster remains in the pouch until it develops its hair.

The echidna forages in the bush for termites and ants and can live as long as 50 years in captivity.