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Thorny Devil ( Dragon )

Moloch horridus

Photo by KerryHawkins
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The Thorney Devil grows up to 20cm in length. Most are covered in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans. The colours are paler during the warm weather and darker in the cold weather. They are covered entirely with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified. It also features a spiny false head which it presents to potential predators. The body is rigid. It has an unusual gait which involves freezing and rocking as it moves forward

Habitat:

Usually lives in arid scrubland and desert with sandy loam soils.

Notes:

We spotted this guy in 2003 on a dirt road in Kalbarri National Park. Of course we had to have a closer look. The quality of the photo is not so good but the idea is there.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (9)

Yes Bernadette, it's a sight to behold when you see one in the wild. I can't see a predator ever wanting to have a go at eating one!
Photographed
PublishedApril 24, 2013

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