General Description

Large spiny lizard with long tail and robust limbs (all with five digits). Most pronounced scales are on the tail. Pattern and colour very variable from dark brown to almost black with no patterns, or flecks or blotches or narrow bands. Snout to base of tail length up to 20 cm.

Biology

A diurnal (ie. active during the day) species that lives in large social groups. When threatened they will take cover in a hollow log, under bark or between rocks. They poke their heads carefully out from cracks in the rocks to warm up and are seen by day basking on rocks and logs, but usually retreats when approached. If harassed further it will inhale air, making its body swell up - this increased size, combined with the spiky keeled scales, makes it difficult for a predator to dislodge the lizard from its hiding place. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates such as insects, snails and slugs, as well as vegetation such as fruit and leaves. Females give birth to live young, usually producing litters of four to six.

Distribution

South-eastern Australia along the slopes and ranges of the Great Dividing Range. There is an isolated population in Mt Lofty Ranges, South Australia.

Habitat

Rock crevices or under large slabs of rock throughout its range, and sometimes inhabits hollow logs and tree stumps.

More Information