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Only the adult male platypuses have a spur. This venomous spur on each of their hind legs is the means by which they can deliver a venom strong enough to kill a small dog, and to cause almost paralysing agony to an adult human. Platypus venom also contains a protein which lowers blood pressure, also inducing shock.
It appears to be a defence mechanism, although there has been little opportunity for research to determine the spur's purpose.
Female platypuses do not have venom, but they are born with spurs. These spurs fall off by the time the young female is about a year old.
A female platypus's spurs fall off within the first year of life. Males have poisonous spurs which are used in defence, or when they are threatened by predators.
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Which is the only mammal that can sting?
The only mammal that can sting is the Platypus. Male platypuses have spurs on their back ankles with from which they can inject poisonous DLPs (defensin-like proteins). Female platypuses and echidnas also have these back ankle spurs, but only male platypuses can use them.
What platypuses are poisonous?
There is only one species of platypuses. It is not "poisonous", but adult males have venomous spurs on their ankles. Apart from several species of shrews and the Cuban solenodon, platypuses are the only venomous mammals.Female platypuses do not have venom, but they are born with spurs. These spurs fall off by the time the young female is about a year old.
Does a platypus have one spur or two spurs?
Male platypuses have on spur on each of their back legs. Females have no spurs.
Are platypuses' tails poisonous?
No part of a platypus is 'poisonous', but male platypuses have a venomous spur on each of their hind legs, through which they can deliver a poison strong enough to kill a small dog, and to cause almost paralysing agony to an adult human. Platypus venom contains a protein which lowers blood pressure, also inducing shock.Female platypuses do not have venom, but they are born with spurs. These spurs fall off by the time the young female is about a year old.
What triggers the platypuses to sting you?
Platypuses do not "sting". Male platypuses have ankle spurs on their hind legs which are attached to venom glands in either thigh. Through these spurs they can dispense venom composed largely of defensin-like proteins (DLPs), unique to the Platypus. This venom is powerful enough to kill smaller animals, and to cause agonising pain to humans. A male platypus will only spur a person if they are interfering with the animal, trying (foolishly) to capture it.
What is poisonous about the platypus's beak?
Platypuses are not poisonous at all, as "poisonous" indicates that something is dangerous if you ingest (eat or drink) it.Adult male platypuses have venomous spurs on their ankles. There is nothing either venomous or poisonous about their bill. The bill is not called a beak.
Does a female platypus have a spur on its hind legs?
No, only male platypuses have spurs on their hind legs. Young females do have them, but lose the spur by about the age of ten months.
Can you remove the spurs from a platypus?
Male platypuses have a hollow spur behind each of their rear ankles through which they can deliver a venom powerful enough to kill a dog or cause agonising pain to humans.Female platypuses have spurs, but they fall off before the female reaches twelve months of age.
Is a platypus's bill poisonous?
No. Platypuses do not have a poisonous bite or bill, and it is incorrect to use the term "poisonous", as this refers to a substance usually ingested, rather than delivered by a bite or other means.Adult male platypuses have venomous spurs on their ankles, through which they can deliver a poison strong enough to kill a small dog, and to cause almost paralysing agony to an adult human.
What do male platypuses have on their ankle?
Both male and female platypuses are born with spur buds on their ankles. The female's spur buds drop off before they are a year old. The male's spurs produce venom. The venom is used for defense and increases during the mating season.
Why do male platypuses have poisonous spurs on their hind legs?
Adult male platypuses have venomous (not poisonous) spurs on their ankles, and it is not the hollow spur itself that is venomous. The spur is attached to a venom gland in the platypus's thigh. It is not known why platypus spurs are venomous, but it is believed to be a defensive mechanism to deter predators. There has been limited research done on platypuses, so it is unknown whether the spur is used in territorial disputes between the males of the species, as only the males have spurs. Through these spurs, they can deliver a venom strong enough to kill a small dog, and to cause almost paralysing agony to an adult human. Platypus venom contains a protein which lowers blood pressure, also inducing shock.
How do Platypuses eat their food?
Platypuses do not have teeth, but hard bony plates which they use to grind the food.
