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Thorny devil lizard standing on sandstone

Thorny devil

Thorny devils have extremely sharp spines that effectively deter any predators that might want to bite or swallow it.

Scientific name: Moloch horridus

Rank: Species

Common names:

  • Moloch,
  • Thorny dragon,
  • Thorny lizard

Distribution

Map showing the distribution of the Thorny devil taxa

Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.

The Thorny devil can be found in a number of locations including: Australia. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.

Habitats

The following habitats are found across the Thorny devil distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.

Behaviours

Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.

Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web

About

Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) is an Australian lizard. It is also known as the Thorny Dragon, Mountain Devil, Thorny Lizard, or the Moloch and is the sole species of genus Moloch. It grows up to 20 cm (8 in) in length and can live up to 20 years, coloured in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans; these change from pale colours when warm to darker colours when cold. The species is entirely covered with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified. It also features a spiny "false-head" on the back of the neck, the animal presents this to a potential predator by dipping its real head. Females are larger than males. The Thorny Devil's body is ridged in structure, and enables the animal to collect water from any part of its body, which is then channelled to the mouth.

Read more at Wikipedia

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