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Project Noah Nature School
Moloch horridus
The Thorney Devil grows up to 20cm in length. Most are covered in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans. The colours are paler during the warm weather and darker in the cold weather. They are covered entirely with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified. It also features a spiny false head which it presents to potential predators. The body is rigid. It has an unusual gait which involves freezing and rocking as it moves forward
Usually lives in arid scrubland and desert with sandy loam soils.
We spotted this guy in 2003 on a dirt road in Kalbarri National Park. Of course we had to have a closer look. The quality of the photo is not so good but the idea is there.
Spotted on Jun 24, 2003
Submitted on Apr 24, 2013
9 Comments
They are pretty cute!!
horridus is so unfair for these little guys
Sure is amazing Reiko
Wow amazing.
Thanks Shanna and Mona. Spiky but cute.
Amazing lizard
FANTASTIC.
Yes Bernadette, it's a sight to behold when you see one in the wild. I can't see a predator ever wanting to have a go at eating one!
Wow - what a lizard!