The Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) is a remarkable reptile native to Australia’s arid scrublands and deserts. This small lizard, reaching a maximum length of 8 inches (20 centimeters), has evolved an impressive arsenal of defenses to protect itself from predators.
One of its most striking features is the ‘false head’ appendage located on the back of its neck. When threatened, the Thorny Devil tucks its real head down between its front legs, presenting the fake head to potential attackers while shielding its vulnerable real head. This deception, combined with its body covered in sharp, rose thorn-like spikes, makes capturing and swallowing the Thorny Devil a difficult proposition for predators.
But the defenses don’t stop there. The Thorny Devil can also inflate its chest to appear larger, further deterring threats. Its unique movement pattern – a slow, jerky walk – is believed to confuse predators, potentially preventing them from triggering their instinctive chase-and-attack response typically observed with quick-fleeing prey.
Thorny Devils are incredibly well-adapted to their harsh environment. In extreme temperatures, they burrow into the sand to escape the scorching sun. Their remarkable skin features channels between scales, allowing them to draw moisture from damp sand and transport it to their mouths like a straw. They also exhibit color-changing abilities, appearing drab brown in the cooler mornings and becoming a lighter yellow as the temperature rises and they become more active. This color change likely helps them regulate their body temperature and metabolism by reflecting sunlight and preventing overheating. However, they can also change color quickly for camouflage purposes.
The Thorny Devil’s scientific name, Moloch horridus, is derived from the Canaanite god Moloch, a bloodthirsty figure mentioned in John Milton’s poem “Paradise Lost.” The Latin word “horridus” means rough, dreadful, wild, or frightful. While its name suggests a fierce creature, the Thorny Devil is actually harmless, except to its primary food source – ants.
Thorny Devils are voracious ant eaters, consuming thousands of ants daily. They use their sticky tongues and hard teeth to capture these insects. These fascinating creatures are a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of nature, thriving in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
