Essay On Platypus

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is found in Tasmania and the eastern and southeastern coast of Australia. They live in burrows that they dig on riverbanks as well as under rock ledges, roots and debris. Platypuses are nocturnal and spend most of their time hunting for food. They are carnivores, hunting food along rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. When they find something, they scoop it up with their bills and store it in their cheek pouches until they reach the surface. They do not have teeth, but, instead use grinding pads along with dirt and gravel to mash up their food so that they can digest it. When not hunting, they will stay in their burrows.

Platypuses have a paddle shaped tail. The main function of the tail is that it stores up to 50% of their body fat. It serves as an energy reserve in case of low food supply. A female platypus uses
After mating, the female develops 2 or 3 eggs and, after about a month, she will lay the soft eggs. She incubates them by curling around them for about 10 days before they hatch. The newborn platypus is blind and hairless. They are helpless and nurse on the mother’s milk (expelled through pores on her body) for 3-4 months. The male platypus has nothing to do with the eggs or newborns.

The platypus as a spirit guide teaches patience, control and friendliness. It is not aggressive, but playful. As it rears its young differently and is, in many ways, a very unique creature, this spirit guide teaches you to be yourself. Although this may sound mundane, the platypus as a guide also teaches that you should be investigative and look beyond the surface of things searching for deeper meaning. The platypus spirit is the object of femininity and teaches us to hold grace, joyfulness and openness and not be jealous or envious.

Animal Fact Guide Platypus