Sympathy for the devil

When it comes to the Thorny Devil, names and appearances don’t do this harmless little creature justice. If there was ever a creature that could claim to have been cheated by binomial nomenclature, the Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) might just have the strongest argument.

Named after a Canaanite god associated with child sacrifice, and inspired by the ominous looking spikes and horns that adorn its body, the Thorny Devil is one of Australia’s most placid reptiles.

Measuring just 20cm, you’re likely to find the Thorny Devil in arid scrubland feasting on ants — a far cry from the stories told about its namesake.

In fact, eating ants was exactly what one particular Thorny Devil was doing when Bon Bon Field Officer Kate Taylor spotted it. It was the first recorded sighting of a Thorny Devil on Bon Bon Station Reserve, in central South Australia, a huge milestone for Bush Heritage, and for the species itself.

“The Latin name couldn't be further from a true reflection of this little lizard's personality,” says Kate.

“The Thorny Devil is actually one of the most placid reptiles you could encounter in the Australian outback.”

“The Thorny Devil is the sole species in its genus group. They also have a very unique way of drinking – they can absorb water using capillary action through their skin by simply standing in a puddle. Think of your skin being able to suck water into your body like a sponge.”

“Also, the spikes that give the Thorny Devil its scary appearance, and which were once thought to act only as a defence mechanism, actually help channel rain or condensation into its mouth – a useful adaptation for a desert living lizard.”

“Now that we know they are here, we hope to start seeing more of them around the reserve.”