The platypus is a small, semiaquatic, oviparous mammal that lives in freshwater basins along Eastern Australia and Tasmania. It has a squat shape and broad, flattened snout. It is famous for its insatiable appetite: each day this small animal eats nearly its own weight in crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs and earthworms. It hunts for food in underwater mud. Because it is always very hungry, it is difficult to be hold in captivity.

Mature males have a pair of venomous spurs on the inside of their hind legs. They use them in the sexual combat.

Ornithorhynchus anatinus

Their venom causes intense pain and local tissue damage in humans. The venom is composed of various enzymes that have a paralytic effect on the affected body area. Swelling develops and the victims may be unable to move their limbs for days. In experimental animals, death has occurred because of respiratory failure.

There is no specific treatment for a platypus sting. Analgesia is usually required and tetanus prophylaxis should be performed if the victim is not immunized.