Spiny anteater (7)
I believe the answer is:
echidna
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">spiny anteater</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(synonyms)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is the entire clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for echidna that I've seen before include "Creature with spines" , "Insectivorous mammal" , "Australian creature" , "Such a beast" , "One preying on the workers" .)