not a typical embryo used in developmental studies, much work is still required to determine this unique monotreme embryonic stages of development. Fly

New Guinea echidnas

burrowing spine-covered monotreme of Australia having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites

an Australian anteater

a spiny anteater

Echidnas, , sometimes also referred to as "spiny anteaters", are the only surviving monotremes apart from the Platypus. The four surviving species, native to New Guinea and Australia, all belong to the Tachyglossidae family. The echidna is named after a monster in ancient Greek mythology.

In the most ancient layers of Greek mythology Echidna (ekhis, meaning "she viper") was called the "Mother of All Monsters".