Close-up of a platypus swimming in the water A platypus wandering by a roadside in Australia stabbed a woman with its venomous spurs when she attempted to lift it from a gutter. Jenny Forward was ...

Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work covers anything from archaeology and the environment to technology and culture. Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work ...

Only male platypuses have venomous spurs. The amount of venom a male platypus produces also increases during breeding season, so scientists believe it is used as a weapon against rival males.

"The platypus is the only venomous mammal in the world," says Zedrosser. Males have venomous spurs on their hind legs, which they use during the mating season to fight other males. The venom can't ...

With diabetes currently sweeping the United States, designing more effective treatments is paramount. New research finds a rather surprising source of a potential new drug: platypus venom. As we dig ...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - From high altitudes to tropical rainforests, platypuses are native to Eastern Australia. When it was first scientifically described in 1799, it was laughed at and checked for ...

Male platypuses have sharp spurs on their back legs shaped like a canine tooth. These hollow spurs measure 0.59 to 0.71 inches long and connect to crural glands in the animal’s upper thighs. These ...