Thorny Devil

Presentation

The thorny devil is a small Australian lizard characterized by a body entirely covered with hard, conical spines. Its brown-yellow to ochre coloration, often with spots, provides effective camouflage in the sandy desert areas where it lives. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is a harmless animal with slow movement, feeding exclusively on ants. A fleshy hump resembling a false head is present on the back of its neck, used to deceive predators. This species is perfectly adapted to the extreme arid conditions of inland Australia.

The body is covered with sharp spines that discourage predators from seizing or swallowing it. Its skin features a system of microscopic capillary channels that collect and channel dew or rainwater to the mouth. The color of its skin can vary slightly depending on temperature or emotional state, ranging from light brown to darker shades.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The species inhabits desert and semi-arid regions of Australia, particularly on sandy soils and spinifex grassland. It favours open environments with sparse vegetation, which aids in locating termite mounds. The extreme temperatures of these areas pose no problem thanks to its physiological adaptations.

Behaviour

This solitary animal moves slowly and in jerky motions, frequently stopping to blend in with its surroundings. When threatened, it lowers its head to expose the spiny false head located on the back of its neck. It is diurnal and active mainly when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold.

Reproduction

The female lays eggs once per year, typically between three and ten eggs buried in a burrow dug in the sand. Incubation lasts approximately three to four months before the young hatch, fully independent from birth. No parental care is provided after egg-laying.

Peculiarities

Its ability to absorb water directly through its skin via a network of capillary grooves represents a unique adaptation among reptiles. The false head on the nape, which it presents when threatened, is a remarkable anti-predator strategy.

Threats and conservation

The species is not considered globally threatened, with its population appearing stable in its isolated natural habitat. The main potential threats include habitat degradation and climate change affecting the availability of termites.

References

Profile updated 09 September 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.