Thorny Devil Lizard’s Unique Desert Survival Strategies
The thorny devil lizard (Moloch horridus), native to Australia, is renowned for its array of unique defensive mechanisms that help it thrive in the harsh desert environment. This lizard can grow up to 20 cm in length and primarily feeds on ants. Notably, it has developed several impressive survival strategies, from using a false head to absorbing water from desert sand.
When threatened, the thorny devil lizard tucks its real head between its front legs, making its rear appendage appear as a false head. This clever defense mechanism helps mislead predators and makes it harder for them to identify the lizard’s actual head. Additionally, the lizard’s body is covered with sharp, rose-like spines, making it difficult for predators to grab and swallow.
The thorny devil lizard can also puff out its chest to appear larger when faced with danger. While foraging for food or a mate, it moves slowly and jerks erratically, which can confuse predators. This sporadic movement helps the lizard avoid triggering a chase response from predators, which might occur if the prey were moving quickly.
This lizard is well-adapted to the extreme heat of the desert. In severe conditions, it buries itself in the sand to shield itself from the intense sunlight. It then uses grooves in its skin, located between its scales, to draw moisture from the sand and transport it to its mouth like a straw.
The thorny devil lizard can also change its color to regulate its body temperature. In the cool morning, it appears dark brown and gradually shifts to a lighter yellow as temperatures rise and it becomes more active. This color change helps reflect more sunlight, preventing overheating. Additionally, the lizard can quickly alter its color for camouflage.
The thorny devil lizard was first exhibited in London by naturalist and trader John Gould in 1840. However, its scientific name was assigned by zoologist John Gray in 1841. Despite its elaborate defense mechanisms, the thorny devil lizard is relatively harmless and can consume thousands of insects daily, using its sticky tongue and strong jaws to capture ants.
