Fact #15
June 5, 2026Female platypuses secrete milk through their skin
To feed their young, the egg-laying mammals secrete milk directly through these specialized mammary glands onto their skin. It creates a sweaty appearance that the babies lap up directly from the mother's abdomen.
Mini Facts
1
The milk contains powerful, unique antibacterial proteins to protect the babies from illness.
2
Their milk contains proteins so potent that scientists believe they could combat antibiotic resistance in humans.
3
Only platypuses and echidnas feed their young in this way.
4
The official name for their babies is Puggles.