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Thorny Devil
Moloch horridus
-24.2367, 131.561
Field Notes
Description:
Thorny Devil, Western Australia
An intimidating array of spikes cover the entire upper side of the body; these thorny scales are a defense mechanism against predators. Camouflage and deception may also be used to evade predation. It has an unusual gait, involving freezing and rocking, as it slowly moves in search of its preferred diet.
Habitat:
It inhabits arid scrub and desert over most of central Australia. In particular, it inhabits spinifex (triodia) sandplain and sandridge desert within the interior and mallee belt. Its distribution largely coincides more with the distribution of sandy and sandy loam soils than with a particular climate in western Australia.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedOctober 28, 2011
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