Photo: Josh Withers
  

Thorny Devil

    Thorny Devil

    (Moloch Horridus)

  • The thorny devil, also known commonly as the mountain devil, thorny lizard, thorny dragon, and moloch, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. The species is endemic to Australia. It is the sole species in the genus Moloch. It grows up to 21 cm (8.3 in) in total length (including tail), with females generally larger than males.

    • Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
    /wiki/Thorny_devil


    Fun Facts:

    1. They are named after a human sacrifice god. The thorny devil’s scientific name, Moloch horridus, was inspired by John Milton’s poem Paradise Lost.
    2. Thorny devils are what’s known as obligate myrmecophages: they eat only ants.
    3. Thorny devils have another defense mechanism in which they inflate their chests with air to make themselves bigger and harder for a predator to swallow.

      4. Source: https://www.wired.com
      /2014/09/the-creature-feature-10-fun-facts-about-the-thorny-devil/


  • To learn more about the Thorny Devil. Watch the video below:
Thorny Devil alone in the desert

Thorny Devil | National Geographic (National Geographic) - 2007