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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.
What else can I help you with?
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.
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.
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 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.
Do plattipuss bite?
Platypuses do not bite in the traditional sense, as they have no teeth. However, male platypuses possess venomous spurs on their hind legs that can deliver a painful sting if they feel threatened. While they are generally not aggressive, they may defend themselves if provoked. Overall, interactions with humans are rare, and platypuses are more likely to flee than to attack.
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 are venomous spurs?
Venomous spurs are specialized structures found in certain animals, such as male platypuses and some species of reptiles, that can deliver venom. In the case of the platypus, these spurs are located on the hind limbs and can inject venom when the animal feels threatened. The venom can cause significant pain and swelling in humans and other animals. These spurs serve as a defense mechanism, allowing the animal to deter predators or rivals.
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.
