The bizarre-looking Thorny Devil, also known as the Thorny Dragon, Thorny Lizard and Moloch, grows to about 20 cms in length. Females are larger than males, because they become full with eggs. Covered by intimidating spikes, their skin can change colour to camouflage with the desert colours that surround them. Thorny Devils feature a “false head” on the back of their necks that they present to birds of prey and other predators.

Habitat

The reptiles are found in the deserts of Central Australia, living in sand, spinifex grasslands and scrub. On cold nights they burrow into the ground to keep warm.

Behaviour

Active during the day, Thorny Devils are slow-moving and harmless. When searching for food, they have an unusual rocking and freezing gait.

Diet

Small black ants feature as the core menu item and Thorny Devils can eat up to a thousand in one sitting. When they locate a trail of ants, they quickly lick them up with their short sticky tongues. The lizard can also drink the dew that forms on its back by channelling moisture along grooves that lead to its mouth.

Reproduction 

Thorny Devils aren’t the best mums. In the spring, they lay a clutch of between three to 10 eggs, which they bury in the sand at a depth of about 30 cms, and then move on. The incubation period is three to four months and the hatchlings must dig through the sand before fending for themselves.

Life Span

Thorny Devils can live up to 15 years.

Threats & Conservation Status

In the wild, Thorny Devils are preyed upon by birds and goannas. Like all reptiles the lizards are ectotherms, meaning that they must derive body heat from external sources. They often bask on roads in the early morning or late afternoon – and can be mistaken for twigs. Please keep a lookout for these animals while driving to avoid running them over. Thorny Devils are endangered and protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act. So admire them, but leave them alone!