Thorny Devil
Moloch Horridus
Verified by: AZ Animals StaffFound only on mainland Australia!
Thorny Devil Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Agamidae
- Genus
- Moloch
- Scientific Name
- Moloch Horridus
Thorny Devil Conservation Status
Thorny Devil Facts
- Main Prey
- Ants, Termites
- Habitat
- Dry desert and shrub land
- Predators
- Snakes, Human, Birds
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Average Litter Size
- 6
- Lifestyle
- Solitary
- Favorite Food
- Ants
- Type
- Reptile
- Slogan
- Found only on mainland Australia!
Thorny Devil Physical Characteristics
- Colour
- Brown
- Grey
- Red
- Skin Type
- Scales
- Top Speed
- 37 mph
- Lifespan
- 12-20 years
- Weight
- 70-95g (2.5-3.4oz)
Thorny Devil Images
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The thorny devil, also known as Thorny Dragon, Thorny Lizard, or the Moloch, is a small species of lizard native to Australia with there being no other lizard like the thorny devil anywhere in the world.
The thorny devil is a small lizard with the average adult thorny devil only growing to around 20cm in length and weighing about the same as the average mouse. The thorny devil is best known for having an extremely spiky looking appearance and the thorny devil can blend well into the vast Australian desert due to the colour of the thorny devil’s skin.
The body of the thorny devil has a very rigid structure which aids the thorny devil in collecting water. Amazingly, in between the cone-shaped spikes of the thorny devil, little channels form along the thorny devil’s body which enables the thorny devil to collect water from any part of its body which is then transported to the mouth of the thorny devil.
As with many species of lizard, the female thorny devil is generally slightly bigger than the male thorny devil and tend to be slightly paler in colour, with the male thorny devil having a slightly redder looking appearance. All thorny devil individuals tend to change from a paler to a darker colour when they cool down.
The thorny devil also has a pretend head at the back of its neck which is used to mislead oncoming predators. The thorny devil dips its real head down and is therefore able to have a slight advantage over other animals.
The thorny devil feeds mainly on ants and collects the much need moisture at night time generally from forming dew drops. The thorny devil can eat some thousands of ants every day, which is remarkable for such a small creature.
View all 26 animals that start with TThorny Devil FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are Thorny Devils herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?
Thorny Devils are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.
What Kingdom do Thorny Devils belong to?
Thorny Devils belong to the Kingdom Animalia.
What phylum do Thorny Devils belong to?
Thorny Devils belong to the phylum Chordata.
What class do Thorny Devils belong to?
Thorny Devils belong to the class Reptilia.
What family do Thorny Devils belong to?
Thorny Devils belong to the family Agamidae.
What order do Thorny Devils belong to?
Thorny Devils belong to the order Squamata.
What genus do Thorny Devils belong to?
Thorny Devils belong to the genus Moloch.
What type of covering do Thorny Devils have?
Thorny Devils are covered in Scales.
In what type of habitat do Thorny Devils live?
Thorny Devils live in dry deserts and shrublands.
What is the main prey for Thorny Devils?
Thorny Devils prey on ants and termites.
What are some predators of Thorny Devils?
Predators of Thorny Devils include snakes, humans, and birds.
How many babies do Thorny Devils have?
The average number of babies a Thorny Devil has is 6.
What is an interesting fact about Thorny Devils?
Thorny Devils are found only on mainland Australia!
What is the scientific name for the Thorny Devil?
The scientific name for the Thorny Devil is Moloch Horridus.
What is the lifespan of a Thorny Devil?
Thorny Devils can live for 12 to 20 years.
What is the lifespan of a Thorny Devil?
Thorny Devils can live for 12 to 20 years.
How fast is a Thorny Devil?
A Thorny Devil can travel at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour.
Sources
- David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
- Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
- David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
- Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
- David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
- Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
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