The Thorny Devil The Thorny Devil is a type of lizard, which is covered head to tail in thorn like spines. Their eyes are set close to their snout. They have a rich orange or yellow with dark stripes tan. This animal grows only up to 20cm. The Thorny Devil is found in Central and Western regions of Australia. They live in either stony or sandy deserts inside burrows so that they’re safe from predators. The Thorny Devil’s favourite food is small black ants.
Structural Features The Thorny Devil has developed many structural features in order to survive the harsh desert environment. Some are: spines, a false head, and camouflage. Thorny Devils’ use their spines to make it harder for a predator to swallow them, and they also help them drink. When frightened they tuck their head in and a false head comes out.
Behavioural Adaptations There are many behavioural adaptations that the Thorny Devil makes in order to survive. Some are: The ability to ‘puff’ themselves up, hiding in small places, and can resist with spines. If a predator tries to turn them over they resist by applying pressure on the ground with its tail and spines.
Threats There are many threats and risks to Thorny Devil. One of these is the Bustard bird. Like many birds the Bustard eat lizards. Another threat is habitat loss.
Conclusion In conclusion, the Thorny Devil has made many structural and behavioural adaptations in order to survive. They are also prey to Bustards and are losing their home.
Information Sources www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/kids/nature/reptiles/devil.shtml members.optusnet.com.au/ralreadman/thorny.htm Australianreptiles,steveParish,kids,MichaelCermak www.bushheritage.org.au/species/thorny-devil?gclid=CLChwMbf4M4CFUYlavAODOKIN+A Image- google