A Remarkable Trait of the Platypus Brought to Light

Since its discovery in 1799 in the rivers of eastern Australia, the platypus has challenged scientific understanding. A true biological chimera, this small animal features a duck-like bill, a broad, flat tail reminiscent of that of a beaver, lays eggs like reptiles, and produces venom similar to that of snakes. It belongs to an extremely limited group within the animal kingdom, as it is among the very few mammals capable of laying eggs.

Thanks to a team of Belgian researchers, yet another remarkable characteristic of the platypus has now been brought to light. Jessica Leigh Dobson, a biologist at Ghent University, has shown that the platypus is the only mammal identified to date that possesses hollow pigment structures, known as “melanosomes.” Until now, this feature was thought to be exclusive to birds—such as peacocks—where it enables the production of iridescence.

Although the spherical shape of its melanosomes would normally be expected to give rise to a reddish coat, the platypus displays a dark brown coloration instead. The presence of hollow melanosomes, randomly distributed within the cortex of the hair, is believed to explain this distinctive hue.

This Belgian discovery thus further reinforces the platypus’s status as one of the most singular creatures on our planet.