Fauna
Reptile

Thorny Devil

Moloch horridus

Also known as Mountain Devil, Thorny Lizard, Thorny Dragon, Moloch

Thorny devils navigate the arid sandplains and scrublands of central Australia with a distinctive, slow-rocking gait designed to mimic windblown vegetation. Their bodies are covered in conical spines, accompanied by a false head knob on the back of the neck that tricks predators when real heads are tucked away. Microscopic grooves between their scales collect dew and rainwater, pulling moisture directly to their mouth corners via capillary action.

ReptileDesertCamouflage
Thorny Devil reference1 / 6
(c) Steve Shattuck, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBlack Ants, Iridomyrmex Ants
Predators
  • Bustard
  • Goanna
  • Feral Cat
ThreatsInvasive predators, vehicle collisions, climate extreme heat
HabitatsArid scrubland, spinifex sandplains, desert
Life span15–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAgamidae
  2. GenusMoloch
  3. SpeciesMoloch horridus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observe quietly: They freeze when approached, relying on camouflage for safety.
  • Watch feeding sites: Look for individuals stationed along busy ant trails picking off prey.
  • Maintain distance: Avoid picking up wild individuals to avoid stress.
Related species
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