The echidna is a unique egg-laying mammal found primarily in Australia and New Guinea. It belongs to a group called monotremes, which also includes the platypus. Echidnas have spiny coats and long snouts, which they use to forage for insects and worms in the ground. Echidnas are known for their ability to regulate body temperature and have a low metabolic rate. They have a specialized tongue that can extend to capture prey. These animals are solitary and can live in various habitats, from forests to grasslands, adapting well to their environments.