Male platypuses have a hidden weapon—venomous spurs on their hind legs! These spurs, located on the inner ankles, are about half an inch long and made of keratin, the same material as your fingernails. They’re connected to venom glands that produce a clear, sticky venom with over a dozen unique proteins. While it’s not lethal to humans, the venom causes intense pain, swelling, and can disrupt wound healing, lasting for weeks. It’s strong enough to kill smaller animals like dogs, a common predator.
The venom is mostly used during breeding season, when males compete for mates by wrapping their legs around rivals and jabbing them with the spurs. Interestingly, young female platypuses are born with tiny spur buds, but they lose them within their first year, while males keep theirs for life. The venom glands grow larger during mating season, showing how this trait is tied to survival and reproduction. This makes the platypus one of the few venomous mammals, alongside creatures like the slow loris and some shrews.
Next time you picture a platypus, imagine its secret weapon—it’s a weird trait that proves nature can be wild. Share this with your friends and come back for more on Platypusfacts!
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