Thorny devil, also known as Moloch horridus, is a species of lizard endemic to Australia, found in the deserts and scrublands of the country's central and western regions. It is known for its unusual appearance, with skin covered in spines and bumps, which allows it to blend in with its arid environment and protect itself from predators.
The Thorny Devil is a small lizard, measuring around 20 centimeters long, from head to tail. Its body is covered in spines and horn-like protrusions, which can be brown, gray, or yellow in color, depending on its habitat. It has a broad, flat head, with large eyes and a pointed snout.
This lizard is a solitary and territorial animal, feeding mainly on ants and termites. It has a long, sticky tongue, which it uses to capture its prey, and small, sharp teeth, which allow it to crush the exoskeletons of insects. Despite its intimidating appearance, the Thorny Devil is harmless to humans and rarely fights back if threatened.
In terms of its performance in the Anthropocene, the Thorny Devil has been relatively successful in adapting to environmental changes brought about by human activity. Although its natural habitat has been altered by urbanization and agriculture, this species has managed to survive in degraded areas, such as highways and suburban areas. However, its population has been affected by pet trafficking and loss of natural habitat, leading to its listing as vulnerable species in Australia.
Moloch approximate measurements:
- 1:3 scale
- Length 71mm
- Height 47mm
- Snout-tail length 85 mm
- 1:2 scale
- Length 97mm
- Height 65mm
- Snout-tail length 110 mm
- 1:1 scale
- Length 190mm
- Height 126mm
- Snout-tail length 218 mm
