The thorny devil is one of Australia’s most iconic desert reptiles: a small, slow-moving lizard covered in conical spines, famous for eating thousands of ants and for ingenious ways of surviving in arid environments. Known scientifically as Moloch horridus, this species combines striking looks with fascinating biological adaptations that make it a perfect subject for wildlife lovers, students, and anyone curious about desert survival strategies.
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What is a thorny devil?
The thorny devil is a medium-sized lizard, typically 15–20 cm from snout to tail, endemic to the arid and semi-arid central regions of Australia. Its body is densely covered with thorn-like scales that provide excellent camouflage among sand, rocks, and spinifex. Despite the fierce appearance, the thorny devil is harmless to humans and relies on its spines primarily for defense and concealment.
Physical appearance and unique adaptations
Spiky armor and camouflage
The thorny devil’s spines make it difficult for predators to grasp and also help break up its silhouette, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its sandy surroundings. Its coloring—ranges of tan, yellow, brown, and reddish hues—often shifts subtly with temperature and background, enhancing its camouflage.
False head trick
A clever defensive strategy is the “false head.” The thorny devil tucks its real head down between its forelegs and exposes a fleshy bump on the back of its neck that resembles a head. Predators may strike at the false head, allowing the lizard to protect its real head and escape.
Water collection channels
One of the thorny devil’s most astonishing adaptations is its ability to harvest water from moisture in its environment. Microscopic grooves between its scales act as capillary channels that draw water (from dew, rain, or damp sand) across the body toward the mouth. This passive capillary action lets the lizard drink without ever raising its head—perfect for a creature living where liquid water is scarce.
Diet — the ant specialist
The thorny devil is an obligate myrmecophage: it feeds almost exclusively on ants. Using a sit-and-wait strategy, it positions itself near ant trails and flicks its sticky tongue to capture individual ants. A single thorny devil can consume thousands of ants in a day, meeting its caloric needs from these tiny insects. Its teeth and digestive system are adapted to process the tough exoskeletons of ants efficiently.
Habitat and distribution
Found primarily across central and western Australia, thorny devils favor sandy plains, dunes, and spinifex grasslands. They are well adapted to loose, sandy soils where they can move and hunt effectively. Because they are specialized for desert life, they are less common in rocky or heavily vegetated areas.
Behavior and life cycle
Thorny devils are generally solitary and diurnal (active during the day). During extreme heat they may seek shade or burrow shallowly under vegetation. Breeding typically occurs in the cooler months; females lay clutches of eggs in shallow burrows, and hatchlings emerge ready to hunt ants almost immediately. Lifespan in the wild varies with conditions but can extend several years under favorable circumstances.
Predators and conservation
Natural predators include birds of prey, snakes, and introduced mammals such as foxes in some regions. Fortunately, the thorny devil is not currently listed as globally threatened and is often classed as Least Concern in regional assessments. Still, habitat degradation, invasive predators, and climate change highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and habitat protection.
Interesting facts
The thorny devil eats almost exclusively ants.
Its capillary skin channels move water to the mouth—no drinking from bowls needed.
The false head is an effective anti-predator adaptation.
Despite its fierce look, it is harmless to humans.
FAQs
Q: Is the thorny devil poisonous?
A: No. The thorny devil is not poisonous. Its spines and camouflage serve as defense, not venom.
Q: Can thorny devils be kept as pets?
A: Thorny devils are wild animals with specialized needs; they do not thrive in casual captivity. Collecting or keeping them is restricted or illegal in many areas—support conservation by observing them in the wild or in accredited zoos.
Q: How does it survive long dry spells?
A: The species relies on stored moisture, ant prey, reduced activity during extreme heat, and its water-harvesting skin channels to endure dry periods.