Thorny devil (Moloch horridus)

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Family	Agamidae
Genus	Moloch (1)

Top facts

• Between the scales of the thorny devil there are narrow channels which use capillary action to draw droplets of dew or rain towards its mouth.
• Feeding almost entirely on small black ants, the thorny devil can consume up to 5,000 ants in a single meal.
• The scientific name of the thorny devil, Moloch horridus, is said to be derived from John Milton’s poem, Paradise Lost.
• The thorny devil can change colour to provide better camouflage depending on its surroundings.

The thorny devil has not yet been classified on the IUCN Red List.

Information on the thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is currently being researched and written and will appear here shortly.

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

1. UNEP-WCMC (October, 2009)
   http://www.unep-wcmc.org/