The Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus), also known as the Thorny Dragon, Mountain Devil, Thorny Lizard, or the Moloch is an Australian lizard. It is the sole species of genus Moloch and grows up to 20 cm (8 in) in length and can live up to 20 years. The Thorny Devil lizard is coloured in camouflaging shades of desert browns and tans; these change from pale colours when warm to darker colours when cold.
The species is entirely covered with conical spines that are mostly uncalcified. It also features a spiny “false-head” on the back of the neck; the animal presents this to a potential predator by dipping its real head. Females tend to be larger than males, and the Thorny Devil’s body is ridged in structure, enabling the animal to collect water from any part of its body, which is then channelled to the mouth.
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