THORNY DEVIL (Moloch horridus) ©steve_shattuck Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) is an Australian
THORNY DEVIL (Moloch horridus) ©steve_shattuck 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. Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorny_Devil Other photos you may enjoy: Armadillo Girdled Lizard Lanced Nose-Chameleon Antsingly Leaf Chameleon — electricorchid: the thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) is one of Australia’s most impressive reptiles | + -- source link