How do platypuses differ from echidnas in habitat and diet?

While both the platypus and echidnas are monotremes that share an ancient ancestry, they have evolved to occupy distinct ecological niches with significant differences in habitat and diet.1

Habitat

• Platypus: This is a semiaquatic mammal found in the waterways of Australia and Tasmania. They spend their lives foraging in rivers, streams, and lakes, and they shelter in burrows dug into stream banks.12
• Echidnas: These are land-dwelling animals found across Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. They inhabit diverse terrestrial environments, including forests and areas with underbrush, logs, or caves, which they use for shelter.13

Diet

• Platypus: As a carnivore-insectivore, the platypus uses its sensitive, ducklike bill to forage for bottom-dwelling invertebrates, such as larval insects and crustaceans. Occasionally, they may also consume frogs or fish.12
• Echidnas: These animals are terrestrial insectivores that use their tubular beaks to probe for food, such as ants and termites. Long-beaked species also use their tongues to hook earthworms from forest leaf litter.13