The Thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is a species of lizard native to Australia. It is the sole species in the genus Moloch. The names given to this lizard reflect its appearance: two large horny scales on its head create the illusion of a dragon or devil. The name Moloch is used to refer to a god of the ancient Near East, often depicted as a hideous beast. The thorny devil also has other nicknames that people give it such as “demon lizard”, “horned lizard” and “spiky toad”.
Appearance
The thorny devils are colored in camouflage shades of brown and desert tan. These colors change from light colors in warm weather to darker colors in cold weather. Spiny devils are completely covered with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified. A row of terrifying spikes covers the entire upper part of the Thorn Demon’s body. These spiny scales also help protect it from predators. Camouflage and deception can also be used to evade predation. The spiny devil also has a spiked “false head” on the back of its neck, and the lizard will display this to potential predators by dipping its real head. The “prosthetic head” is made of soft tissue.
Habitat
Thorny devils live in the sandy lands of Central Australia.
Wild state
Common.
Diet
The thorny devils live on a diet of nothing more than small black ants. They feed in cool mornings and late afternoons. When they locate ants’ tracks, they lick them with their short, sticky tongues. Scientists calculate that the thorny devil can eat a thousand or more ants in a single meal.
Carnivores
Aerial predators such as the brown falcon.
Longevity
Thorny devils can live up to 15 years.
Size
The thorny devil is up to 15cm long. Females are larger than males because they lay eggs.
