Thorny Devil

The thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is an Australian lizard that is also known as the thorny dragon, the mountain devil, the thorny lizard, or the moloch. This is the sole species of genus Moloch. The thorny devil grows up to 20 cm (8.0 inches) in length, and it can live up to 20 years. Most of these lizards are coloured in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans. These colours change from pale colours during warm weather and to darker colours during cold weather. These animals are covered entirely with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified. The thorny devil also features a spiny "false head" on the back of its neck, and the lizard presents this to potential predators by dipping its real head. The females are larger than the males. The thorny devil's body is ridged in structure, and this enables the animal to collect water from any part of its body. That water is then conveyed to its mouth. An intimidating array of spikes cover the entire upper side of the body of the thorny devil. These thorny scales also help to defend it from predators. Camouflage and deception may also be used by the thorny devil to evade predation.

This lizard has an unusual gait that involves freezing and rocking as it moves about slowly in search of food, water, and mates. The females lay clutch of three to ten eggs during the September-December season (spring- summer). They put these in a nesting burrow about 30 centimeters underground. Then the eggs hatch after about three to four months. Thorny devils often eat thousands of ants in one day.] They collect moisture in the dry desert via the condensation of dew on their bodies at night. This dew forms on its skin, and then it is channelled to its mouth in hygroscopic grooves between its spines. During rainfalls, capillary action allows the thorny devil to suck in water from all over its body